Airbus UK is gearing up to make history with a new £150 million contract to land Europe’s first rover on Mars. This ambitious mission, backed by the UK Government and the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to have the Rosalind Franklin rover touch down on the Martian surface by 2030. It’s an exciting time for engineers at Airbus, who are not only leading the charge to uncover ancient Martian life but also strengthening the UK’s position in the space sector.
Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, puts it perfectly: “This is humanity-defining science, and it’s our best shot at finding out if life once existed on Mars.” Named in honor of DNA pioneer Rosalind Franklin, the rover is part of the ExoMars program. It’s designed to drill two meters below Mars’ surface in search of fossilized microbes. This mission isn’t just about exploring potential Martian life; it’s also set to provide valuable insights into planetary climate changes.
Built in Stevenage, the rover’s launch was initially planned for 2022 but faced delays due to geopolitical tensions. However, thanks to the collaborative efforts of UK and international partners, any gaps left by the severed ties with Russia have been effectively filled. The mission relies heavily on the UK’s cutting-edge robotics and autonomous technologies, which also have practical applications here on Earth, like in nuclear plants.
Kata Escott from Airbus highlights the mission’s complexity: “Getting the Rosalind Franklin rover onto the surface of Mars is a huge international challenge and the culmination of more than 20 years’ work.” This mission is a testament to collaboration, with Thales Alenia Space and UK universities working together to ensure the lander’s safe descent and operational success.
It’s not just about scientific discovery. This mission will support 200 skilled jobs and is expected to attract global investment, reinforcing the UK’s leadership in space exploration. It’s a pivotal step towards unlocking the mysteries of Mars.
