More than 50 exploration projects have been documented as a result of scientists’ growing interest in the red planet. One of these missions, Airbus’ Mars Express, has helped scientists better comprehend the planet and has set the stage for upcoming efforts.
Airbus served as the primary contractor for the Mars Express mission, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary. Mars Express not only acquired crucial data but also set the way for later missions.
When it was launched on June 2, 2003, it was also the European Space Agency’s (ESA) first planetary mission. It consisted of an orbiter carrying a variety of scientific instruments, including the Beagle 2 lander.
The orbiter is one of the oldest spacecraft in service beyond Earth and its mission has been extended multiple times. It was originally built for a mission of one Martian year (or 687 Earth days).
The equipment created 20 years ago is still able to resist the harsh conditions of outer space.
Fundamental details regarding the topology and make-up of the planet’s surface, subsurface, and atmosphere have been revealed by the equipment on board.
where the initial goal was to produce comprehensive maps of the earth and, in particular, to look for groundwater indicators.
It has discovered water buried beneath the Martian ice caps and ice on their surface, as well as rocks that reveal the once-presence of lakes and oceans.