1024 x 768 Earth Wallpaper - Version 1.2 This image was taken on December 9, 1998 from a camera mounted on the outside of the rocket that launched the Mars Climate Orbitor. The camera was mounted on the second stage of the rocket and pointed directly towards the ground. This image was taken approximately one and a half minutes after launch and about 10 seconds after the four solid rocket boosters had been discarded.