activeESA
ExoMars / Rosalind Franklin Rover
European Mars rover mission to search for biosignatures. Originally a joint ESA-Roscosmos mission, restructured after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. ESA partnered with NASA for landing system support. The Rosalind Franklin rover can drill 2 meters below the Martian surface — deeper than any other Mars mission — to search for organic molecules shielded from radiation.
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Budget
€1.3B (ESA contribution)
Timeline
2016–2028
Key Milestones
ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter arrived at Mars (still operating)
2016
Mission suspended due to Russia-Ukraine conflict; Roscosmos removed as partner
2022
NASA agreed to provide landing engines; Thales Alenia rebuilding descent module
2024
Rosalind Franklin rover launch window to Mars
2028
Contractors
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Sources
- esa.int/exomars
- exploration.esa.int