“Airbus Secures Deal for ExoMars Lander Platform”

Airbus to build landing platform for ExoMars rover, replacing Russia, with contract worth $194 million. Mission to launch in 2028 to search for Martian life.

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In a recent development, Airbus Defence and Space has taken on the responsibility of constructing the landing platform for the European Space Agency’s ExoMars rover. This comes as a replacement for a crucial component that was originally supposed to be supplied by Russia. The announcement of this decision was made late on March 28, following the selection by ESA and Thales Alenia Space, the mission’s primary contractor.

The landing platform plays a vital role in facilitating the final stages of the ExoMars spacecraft’s descent to the Martian surface in 2030. It will be responsible for executing the final landing burn and deploying ramps for the rover, named Rosalind Franklin, to access the Martian terrain. The value of the contract awarded to Airbus has not been disclosed, but sources claim it is roughly around £150 million ($194 million).

Airbus is set to carry out the construction of the landing platform at its Stevenage facility in England. This same facility was where the Rosalind Franklin rover was assembled, showcasing a legacy of expertise in space technology. The involvement of NASA in the ExoMars mission is also noteworthy. A collaboration agreement finalized in May 2024 outlined NASA’s provision of braking engines and radioisotope heating units (RHUs) for the landing platform.

One key aspect to consider is the necessity for the ExoMars mission to be launched from the United States due to the presence of RHUs containing plutonium-238. This requirement will see NASA handling the procurement of a suitable launch vehicle at a later stage. Once operational on Mars, the instruments aboard the Rosalind Franklin rover will conduct extensive research to uncover evidence of past and present life on the red planet.

The significance of this mission in unraveling the mysteries of Mars and potentially discovering traces of ancient life forms has been hailed by experts in the space industry. It represents a monumental endeavor that encapsulates years of collaborative efforts and scientific ambition.

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