The UK is making history in space exploration as Airbus UK secures a £150 million contract to land the first European-made rover on Mars.
Funded by the UK government and the European Space Agency (ESA), this groundbreaking mission will see Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover touchdown on the Red Planet in 2030.
With Airbus engineers leading the fees, the mission aims to unlock the secrets of Mars’ ancient life, whilst driving innovation and investment in the UK’s growing space sector.
Commenting on the Landmark Project, Paul Beit, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said:
“We are proud to fund this world-leading technology. The ripple effects of space exploration discovery go far beyond the realm of space exploration, fostering advancements and prosperity across multiple sectors in the UK, and fostering advances in technology that benefit all of us.
Mission to reveal signs of ancient life
Named after British scientists who were crucial in uncovering the molecular structure of DNA, Rosalind Franklin Rover is an important part of the Exomars programme exploring the surface of Mars.
Mars Rover aims to drill under up to 2 meters below the Earth’s surface in search of fossilized microbes, potentially unlocking secrets about the formation of the solar system and the possibilities of extraterrestrial life.
The mission also provides valuable insight into planetary climate change and enhances understanding of global environmental change.
Advanced British engineering enhances Mars exploration
Built entirely in Stevenage by Airbus UK engineers, The Mars Rover is due for release in 2028 and is scheduled for the surface of Mars in 2030.
Originally scheduled for release in 2022, the mission faced delays as ESA with Russia cut off after the Ukrainian invasion.
Since then, the UK space agency and its international partners have stepped up and replaced important Russian components, such as landing platforms and key scientific instruments.
State-of-the-art robotics and autonomous navigation
The success of this ambitious project relies on cutting-edge British robotics and autonomous navigation technology developed in both spatial and earth-based applications.
Originally designed for Mars, these advanced systems have potential applications in dangerous environments on Earth, such as nuclear power plants and deep sea exploration.
Kata Escott, managing director of Airbus Defense and Space UK, added:
“We are proud to have built the rover in the cutting-edge Steve Nage Cleanroom and are delighted to develop the project to ensure safe delivery to Mars.
“Rosalind Franklin will be the first Mars rover to analyze samples from two meters on the surface in searches of past or present life.
“The mission will recharge the know-how of space in the UK and promote collective understanding of the solar system.”
Collaboration between science and industry as a whole
This groundbreaking mission comes from extensive collaboration between the UK, European and international scientific communities.
Airbus UK engineers have signed a contract with aerospace giant Thales Alenia Space, which will develop the Lander mechanical, thermal and propulsion systems to ensure a stable and safe descent.
The Lander has ramps on each side, allowing the rover to exit to the surface of Mars via the safest route possible.
The UK’s major universities play an important role in this historic effort. Scientists at the University of London, Leicester and Aberystwyth University are leading the development of key technology such as the Pancam camera system and infrared spectrometers designed to analyze Mars rock samples for biological evidence.
Boost the UK’s space sector and economy
Beyond scientific achievements, this mission is a major boost to the UK space sector, supporting around 200 highly skilled jobs and attracting international investments.
As part of the UK’s broader economic and technological growth strategy, the initiative is strengthening the country’s position as a leader in space exploration.
With ambitious goals and pioneering technology, Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover marks a major milestone in space exploration and sets the stage for future discoveries of the Red Planet.
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