The European Space Agency's (ESA) ExoMars mission, featuring the Rosalind Franklin rover, is progressing towards a 2028 launch, aiming to detect signs of past and present life on Mars. A significant advancement highlighted in recent developments is the rover's sophisticated sample processing capabilities, designed to analyze material from up to two meters below the Martian surface. This depth is crucial for accessing ancient organic material shielded from harsh space conditions and radiation.
The Rosalind Franklin rover will meticulously transfer collected samples to its Analytical Laboratory Drawer (ALD) for preparation and analysis by its advanced scientific instruments. Key objectives include demonstrating cutting-edge planetary exploration technologies and thoroughly investigating the chemical composition of Martian soil to identify potential biosignatures. As of October 2025, the mission is on schedule for its 2028 launch.
In a significant development in March 2025, Airbus secured a contract valued at approximately £150 million to develop critical systems for the lander that will deliver the Rosalind Franklin rover to the Martian surface. This landing platform, featuring mechanical, thermal, and propulsion systems designed by Airbus teams in the UK, is essential for the mission's success. The lander is expected to touch down in 2030, after which the rover will deploy via ramps to commence its exploration.
The ExoMars Rosalind Franklin mission represents a considerable leap in European Mars exploration. Its innovative drilling and sample processing technologies are anticipated to yield profound insights into the Martian subsurface, shedding light on the planet's geological history and its potential to harbor life. NASA is a key partner, contributing to the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument and providing the launch vehicle. The rover's two-meter drilling capability is a substantial advancement over previous missions, which only reached depths of a few centimeters.
The mission's success hinges on a safe landing, a complex six-minute descent that will utilize parachutes and retro rockets to decelerate the lander. The landing is scheduled for 2030 to avoid Mars' global dust storm season.