NASA's InSight spacecraft is expected to touch down on Mars today in order to begin its pivotal research into the Red Planet.
Excitement has been building around the landing of the spacecraft since it first launched six months ago. NASA will also broadcast the historic event to millions.
Whereas previous missions to Mars have focused on analysing what's on the surface of the Red Planet, this will be the first mission dedicated to studying what's going on beneath it.
So what can we expect from the landing? Here's everything we know so far, plus a guide on how you can watch the Mars mission live:
What is NASA's InSight Mars landing?
InSight is also known by its slightly more technical name, the Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport.
The spacecraft mission is designed to give the red planet its first thorough check-up since it formed 4.5 billion years ago, taking a close look at things like seismic activity, deep beneath the planet's surface.
When did NASA Insight launch?
The spacecraft was launched from California on May 5, 2018, making it the very first launch to another planet from the west coast of America.
The landing marks an end to a gruelling six months of anticipation - only around four in 10 missions ever sent to the Red Planet have been successful.
What's the purpose of the MARS mission?
It is hoped that by studying Mars' interior, scientists will be able to answer key questions about the formation of terrestrial planets in our solar system.
This includes answering crucial questions not just about how Mars came to be, but other rocky planets too, such as Earth.
How will it work?
If you read NASA's description of the mission, you could be fooled into thinking that the red planet has been booked in for your average medical check-up.
Cutting-edge technology will measure the planet's "vital signs," its "pulse," (seismology), "temperature" (heat flow) and "reflexes" (precision tracking).
A seismometer will be placed on the surface to sense seismic waves from "marsquakes" and other thumps and thuds when meteorites hit the planet.
For space scientists, Mars is the perfect-sized planet because it preserves its formation, giving them vital insight into how the terrestrial planets formed.
What time is NASA Insight landing on Mars?
The landing is scheduled for around 8 pm GMT, or 12 pm Pacific Time.
The spacecraft will approach the surface of the red planet at a speed of 12,300 miles per hour as it enters the atmosphere.
It will have to reduce its speed dramatically as it prepares to land, touching down on an equatorial plain called Elysium Planitia at approximately 5mph.
How to watch the Mars landing live
The landing will be broadcast from 7 pm in the UK, 11 am Pacific Time.
You can watch all the action unfold via our live stream here.
