Airbus Wins £150 Million Contract to Build UK’s Mars Rover Landing Platform
The British division of Airbus has secured a £150 million contract from the European Space Agency to develop the landing platform for the UK’s first Mars rover. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2028, with a planned landing on the red planet in 2030.
A New Chapter for Airbus and the Rosalind Franklin Rover
The rover, named Rosalind Franklin, was originally constructed between 2018 and 2019 by Airbus engineers in Britain. Its launch, initially set for September 2022, was delayed after the mission lost access to a Russian rocket due to the Ukraine conflict.
To move forward, the UK Space Agency collaborated with international partners to replace Russian components. This included the development of a new landing platform, which will now be built at Airbus’s facility in Stevenage, located in south-east England.
Advanced Engineering to Enable Mars Exploration
Airbus engineers will be responsible for designing the mechanical, thermal, and propulsion systems necessary for the rover’s descent and landing. The 2030 landing will mark the first time a European-made rover reaches the Martian surface.
Technology minister Peter Kyle described the project as “an inspiring example of world-class British science.” He noted that it brings humanity closer to answering questions about life on Mars.
Mission Goals: Searching for Signs of Life
The Rosalind Franklin rover will explore the Martian surface and drill up to two metres below ground. Its goal is to find signs of ancient life, including fossilised microbial remains. The mission aims to build on previous discoveries made by NASA’s Perseverance rover, which landed on Mars in 2021 and found ancient lake sediments.
This mission represents a significant step for the UK in space exploration, highlighting its capabilities in leading complex interplanetary projects in collaboration with European partners.
with inputs from Reuters
