Airbus tapped to design and build systems for ExoMars lander
STEVENAGE, U.K. - Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage, U.K., has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Thales Alenia Space (TAS) to build critical systems for the ExoMars lander, which will deliver the Rosalind Franklin rover to the Martian surface. The lander, designed to ensure a safe descent and touchdown, will deploy the rover for its mission to search for signs of past or present life beneath the surface.
"Getting the Rosalind Franklin rover onto the surface of Mars is a huge international challenge and the culmination of more than 20 years’ work," said Kata Escott, managing director of Airbus Defence and Space UK. "Rosalind Franklin will be the first Martian rover able to analyze samples from two meters below the surface, advancing our collective understanding of our solar system."
Under contract from TAS, Airbus engineers in Stevenage will develop the lander’s mechanical, thermal, and propulsion systems, ensuring a safe touchdown in 2030. The lander will feature a braking propulsion system to slow its descent from 45 meters per second to under 3 meters per second before landing. It will also include landing gear for stability and two ramps allowing the rover to exit onto the Martian surface.
Related: Commercial space station company Starlab Space opens European subsidiary
Airbus has extensive propulsion systems experience, having developed over 120 for over 90 spacecraft. The company built the Rosalind Franklin rover in its bio-burden cleanroom in Stevenage before delivering it to TAS in 2019. Initially set for a 2022 launch, the mission was postponed due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Now, Airbus is working with TAS, ESA, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to update the rover for its planned 2028 launch aboard a NASA-supplied rocket. Upgrades include integrating NASA-provided Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) to keep the rover warm on Mars and new software for rapid transition to autonomous operations after landing. The touchdown is scheduled for 2030, avoiding Mars' global dust season.
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
Whitney oversees editorial content for the Intelligent Aerospace Website, as well as produce news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attend industry events, produce Webcasts, oversee print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics, and expand the Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics franchises with new and innovative content.
