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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

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