Airbus has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Thales Alenia Space to build systems for the ExoMars lander that will safely place the Rosalind Franklin rover on the surface of Mars.
After entry and descent through the Mars atmosphere and a parachute-assisted braking phase, the landing platform provided by Airbus will ensure a safe landing on the surface of Mars and support the deployment of the rover onto the surface.
Managing Director Airbus Defense and Space UK Kata Escott said, “Getting the Rosalind Franklin rover onto the surface of Mars is a huge international challenge and the culmination of more than 20 years’ 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."
Escott continued, "Rosalind Franklin will be the first Martian rover able to analyze samples from two meters below the surface in its search for past or present life. The mission will supercharge our space know-how in the UK and will advance our collective understanding of our solar system."
UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said, “This inspiring example of world-class British science will bring us one step closer to answering long-asked questions on potential life on Mars. Landing the first ever home-grown rover on Mars, Airbus will not only help Britain make history and lead the European space race but also bring hundreds of highly skilled jobs and investment as we secure Britain’s future through our Plan for Change.”
Under contract from TAS, who are leading the Rosalind Franklin mission, Airbus teams in Stevenage will design the mechanical, thermal and propulsion systems necessary for the landing platform to ensure the touchdown is safe in 2030. This will include the landing structure, the large propulsion system used to provide the final braking thrust, and the landing gear to ensure the lander is stable on touchdown. The lander will feature two ramps that will be deployed on opposite sides.
The ExoMars landing system will slow the landing platform from 45m/s at the end of the parachute descent phase to less than 3m/s before touchdown using retro rockets.
Airbus is working with TAS, ESA and NASA to maintain and upgrade various elements of the Rosalind Franklin rover in preparation for its planned launch in 2028 on a NASA supplied launcher. This includes the accommodation of Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) from NASA to keep the rover warm, as well as a new software mode to allow the rover to transition into an autonomous state after landing.
The rover is planned to touchdown on the surface of Mars in 2030.
