ExoMars Program

Definition

The ExoMars Program is a joint initiative between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian space agency Roscosmos aimed at exploring Mars to search for signs of past life and understand the planet's geology and climate. Launched in phases, this program includes the Trace Gas Orbiter, which has been studying Mars' atmosphere, and the Rosalind Franklin rover, set to investigate the Martian surface and collect samples, contributing significantly to current Mars exploration missions and future plans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ExoMars Program began with its first phase in 2016 with the launch of the Trace Gas Orbiter, which is studying Martian atmospheric composition and dynamics.
2. The Rosalind Franklin rover was initially scheduled for launch in 2020 but has faced delays, with plans to launch in the coming years as part of the second phase of ExoMars.
3. The mission aims to investigate whether microbial life ever existed on Mars by analyzing soil samples and searching for organic molecules.
4. ExoMars contributes to our understanding of Mars' climate history by measuring how atmospheric conditions have changed over time.
5. The collaboration between ESA and Roscosmos represents a significant international effort in planetary exploration, promoting shared scientific goals and technological advancements.

Review Questions

• How does the ExoMars Program contribute to our understanding of potential life on Mars?
  • The ExoMars Program contributes to our understanding of potential life on Mars primarily through its focus on searching for biosignatures and analyzing Martian soil. The Rosalind Franklin rover will drill into the surface to collect samples, looking for organic compounds and signs of past microbial life. Additionally, the Trace Gas Orbiter helps identify gases like methane that could indicate biological activity, further enhancing our knowledge about life's potential existence on the planet.
• Discuss the significance of international collaboration in the success of the ExoMars Program.
  • International collaboration is crucial for the success of the ExoMars Program as it combines resources, expertise, and technology from ESA and Roscosmos. This partnership allows for a more comprehensive approach to Mars exploration, increasing the chances of successful missions. By sharing knowledge and capabilities, these space agencies can tackle challenges more effectively and achieve common scientific goals related to understanding Mars and its potential for life.
• Evaluate the implications of findings from the ExoMars Program on future Mars missions, including Mars Sample Return.
  • Findings from the ExoMars Program have significant implications for future Mars missions, such as Mars Sample Return. The data collected by the Trace Gas Orbiter regarding atmospheric gases will guide scientists in selecting optimal sample collection sites for future missions. Additionally, any discoveries related to potential biosignatures by the Rosalind Franklin rover will influence how scientists prioritize locations for sample return efforts, shaping our understanding of Martian geology and astrobiology as we look forward to bringing Martian materials back to Earth.

Related terms

Trace Gas Orbiter: A spacecraft that is part of the ExoMars Program, designed to study methane and other gases in the Martian atmosphere to better understand their sources and implications for potential life.

Rosalind Franklin Rover: A rover that is part of the ExoMars Program, set to explore the Martian surface, drill into the soil, and analyze samples for biosignatures and other scientific data.

Mars Sample Return: A proposed mission to bring Martian soil and rock samples back to Earth for comprehensive analysis, building on data collected by missions like ExoMars.