Funded by the UK Government and the European Space Agency (ESA), the mission will see the Rosalind Franklin Mars rover touch down on Mars in 2030. The mission aims to understand potential life on Mars and drive innovation in the UK space sector.
Also read: The future of space exploration
Key Role of Airbus UK in the Rosalind Franklin Mission
Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said: “This is humanity-defining science, and the best opportunity to find if past life once existed on Mars.” “We’re proud to have funded this world-leading technology. The ripple effects of space exploration discoveries extend far beyond the realm of space exploration, driving progress and prosperity across multiple sectors in the UK and inspiring technological advances to benefit us all. Our journeys into space continue to improve our lives here on Earth.”
Exploring Mars with the Rosalind Franklin Rover
Rosalind Franklin will explore the surface of the planet. It will drill up to two meters beneath the surface of the planet to search for fossilised microbes. The mission will also provide insight into planetary climate shifts to help improve Earth’s environmental changes. The rover was built in Stevenage and is planned for launch in 2028, with touchdown scheduled for 2030.
Airbus UK’s Contributions to the Mars Mission
The mission has been delayed since 2022, due to the ESA severing ties with Russia after the Ukraine invasion. The mission will help support 200 skilled jobs and attract international investment. Kata Escott, managing director of Airbus UK, said: “Getting the Rosalind Franklin rover onto the surface of Mars is a huge international challenge and the culmination of more than 20 years of work. We are proud to have built the rover in our state-of-the-art Stevenage cleanroom and delighted now to develop the project to ensure its safe delivery to Mars.”
