While Executive Producer of NASA’s launch broadcast Paul Wizikowski said: “The launch of the Mars Perseverance rover from America’s shore to the Jezero crater on Mars is a milestone in humanity’s history.

“The fact that this flight must be completed in a moment of America’s story that calls for the very best in us to persevere, we felt it fitting to signal this send-off with a focus on what makes America beautiful.

“Grammy Award-winning Gregory Porter was asked to sing America The Beautiful to remind us that from the fruited plains to the shining seas we are in this grand story together.”

On the mission itself, a statement read: “NASA’s Perseverance Rover is slated to launch to the Red Planet on July 30 from Cape Canaveral, Florida.”