Mars missions

Exploring the Red Planet

Ever since Galileo first observed Mars through a telescope in 1610, scientists have been increasingly drawn to the planet. Its geological and climatic similarities to Earth have made Mars the focus of some of the most ambitious exploration programmes in the Solar System.

Building on extensive experience in such complex interplanetary missions as the first European probes to Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Mercury – along with Rosetta, the first spacecraft to land on a comet – Airbus is actively working on a number of Mars missions to be launched in the coming decade.

Our Mars story started at the turn of the century with the Mars Express mission, which was launched in 2003 and still continues to provide scientists with valuable data. Looking to the future, Airbus is playing a leading role in the ExoMars and Mars Sample Return missions.

ExoMars rover: Europe’s first rover mission to the Red Planet

The rover will search for evidence of past or present life and help us better understand the history of water on Mars. Built by Airbus in Stevenage, UK, it is named after Rosalind Franklin, a famous British scientist.

With its autonomous navigation system, it will travel more quickly than by being driven remotely from Earth. Its drill can take samples from as deep as two metres below ground and its 3D panoramic camera can provide data on the surface texture and atmosphere.

The exceptional odyssey of Mars Express

Mars Express was the European Space Agency's first planetary mission when it was launched in 2003. Originally designed for a mission duration of one Martian year (or 687 Earth days), the orbiter is now one of the oldest spacecraft in operation beyond Earth.

Its instruments have provided fundamental information about the topology and composition of the planet's surface, subsurface and atmosphere.

Discover the planet Mars and it's upcoming missions!