During the next opportunity to launch a mission to the Red Planet, NASA will send an orbiter capable of capturing the most detailed images ever of the surface of Mars. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's camera will be able to resolve details as small as beach balls, with a camera that boasts an 8-12 inch (20-30 centimeter) resolution.

With its high-powered camera, the orbiter will be able to search for water and evidence of life like no other probe before it, and will truly "bridge the gap" between current orbital images and the surface observations conducted by the Mars Exploration Rovers.

In addition to its high-resolution camera, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter will carry a ground-penetrating radar, an infrared radiometer designed for atmospheric studies, and a color images to monitor dust storms. The orbiter will also serve as a high-powered telecommunications relay for future surface missions, such as the Mars Science Laboratory.