UK firm replaces Russia in search for life on Mars

A UK-based company has taken over a significant role in a European project aimed at searching for signs of life on Mars. This project, known as ExoMars, is set to see the rover named Rosalind Franklin land on the Martian surface in 2030. The landing device, which features four support legs, is designed to safely touch down on the distinctive red and orange terrain of Mars. As it descends, jets of flames will be emitted from the bottom to ensure a gentle landing. The UK space firm, Airbus, located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, will be responsible for developing the landing platform that will facilitate the rover's arrival on Mars. Previously, a Russian corporation was involved in this project, but due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, they have had to withdraw. The Russian state space agency, Roscosmos, was working on a landing platform called Kazachok, but the mission was postponed following the invasion. Now, Airbus will create a new landing platform that will utilize a parachute-assisted braking system to land safely on the Martian surface before deploying the rover. The ExoMars program was initially expected to launch in 2020 as a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Roscosmos. The Russians had taken over from the American space agency NASA, which had stepped back due to shifting priorities. In addition to the landing platform, ESA had planned to use a Russian rocket for the launch, but sanctions made this collaboration impossible. As a result, NASA is now set to launch the rover in 2028, with an expected landing on Mars in 2030. The Rosalind Franklin rover will be the first of its kind to analyze samples from two meters below the Martian surface in its quest for past or present life. The lander will feature two ramps that will allow the rover to safely descend onto the Martian surface. A computer-generated image illustrates what the gold lander, equipped with solar panels, could look like once it reaches Mars. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between the French aerospace company Thales and the Italian firm Leonardo, has also collaborated with ESA on this project. The teams at Airbus will design the mechanical, thermal, and propulsion systems of the lander, ensuring that the rover can safely navigate onto the surface with minimal risk. Airbus was previously involved in the project when the Rosalind Franklin rover was designed and constructed in a bio-burden clean room in Stevenage. The rover is considered a pioneering effort in space exploration. Kata Escott, the managing director for Airbus Defence and Space UK, stated, 'Getting the Rosalind Franklin rover onto the surface of Mars is a huge international challenge and the culmination of more than 20 years' work. ' She emphasized that this mission will significantly enhance the UK's expertise in space and contribute to our understanding of the solar system. Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, remarked, '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.