Tags: European Space Agency, Thales Alenia Space, Mars, ExoMars
Publication: RedOrbit.com
Publication Date: 06/17/2013

Lowering the ExoMars Entry, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module (EDM) Structural Model (SM) onto the Multishaker at ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, for vibration testing. Image credit: ESA

On Monday, Thales Alenia Space signed a contract with the European Space Agency at the Paris Air & Space Show for ESA’s mission to Mars in 2016. Thales Alenia will build the Entry, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module (EDM) for the 2016 mission.

The goal of this mission is to determine whether life ever existed on Mars. The mission will include a Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) to search for indication of methane and other atmospheric gases that could support active biological or geological processes. It will also deliver the EDM to the surface of Mars to establish crucial technologies for future landing missions.

A 2018 mission is scheduled to follow with a tentative arrival date in early 2019. In this mission, an ESA rover will land on Mars with the ability of drilling down more than six feet to collect samples that have been protected from the harsh conditions on the surface. This mission will transport a surface platform with scientific instruments to examine the Martian habitat. ExoMars is optimistic about uncovering evidence of ancient life, not only the ability to host life.

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