European aerospace giant Airbus announced Saturday that it will build the landing module for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Mars rover.
The module’s mission is to ensure the rover’s safe arrival on Mars and to kick-start its exploration. After entering the Martian atmosphere and using a parachute-assisted braking system, the Airbus module will guarantee a secure landing. It will also oversee the rover’s deployment.
Airbus will develop the landing gear, a propulsion system for final deceleration, and two ramps for the rover, named “Rosalind Franklin,” to deploy onto Mars’ surface. The contract is valued at £150 million (approximately €180 million), according to the UK’s Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology.
The development of the rover and landing module will take place in Stevenage, UK.
ESA plans to launch the Mars mission in 2028 using a NASA-provided launcher. The landing is scheduled for 2030, with the primary objective of searching for signs of life on Mars.
