The Rosalind Franklin rover, developed by ESA for the ExoMars program, is back on track for a Mars mission after ties with Russia were severed post-Ukraine invasion. The UK government is funding a new lander through a £150mn contract with Airbus, crucial for the rover's operation. Set to launch in 2028 and land by 2030, this mission marks a significant milestone as it represents Europe's first rover to explore the Martian surface in search of signs of life. Aerodynamic technologies will be employed for the rover's descent and landing on Mars.
ESA initially designed the Mars rover alongside Roscosmos, but the invasion of Ukraine forced ESA to sever ties with Moscow, jeopardizing the mission.
"Getting the Rosalind Franklin rover onto the surface of Mars is a huge international challenge and the culmination of more than 20 years' work," said Kata Escott.
The ExoMars spacecraft is set to launch from the US in 2028, aiming for a Mars arrival in 2030, marking Europe's first rover to the planet.
A new lander built by Airbus will carry the Rosalind Franklin rover safely to Mars as part of a rejuvenated international effort.
Collection
[
|
...
]