The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Airbus to design and build a European landing platform for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover. The mission aims to search for past and present signs of life on Mars in 2028.
Airbus will develop the mechanical, thermal, and propulsion systems of the landing platform, including the landing structure, propulsion system, and gear to stabilise the lander once on the surface. This technology will be crucial for future planetary exploration missions.
The Rosalind Franklin rover will drill up to two metres below the Martian surface to acquire samples, demonstrating key technologies needed for European space exploration. The mission’s critical challenge is landing safely on Mars, which requires a precise descent of just six minutes.
To achieve this, a set of parachutes and retro rockets will slow down the lander, followed by two ramps offering multiple pathways to reach the surface.
The rover is scheduled to touchdown on Mars in 2030, avoiding the planet’s global dust storm season. The Rosalind Franklin rover was previously launched but postponed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. ESA, European industry, and NASA are working together to upgrade the rover for its planned launch in 2028.
This mission will advance Europe’s space know-how and our collective understanding of the Solar System.
Source: https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/ExoMars_Rosalind_Franklin_rover_will_have_a_European_landing_platform