Mars is hiding secrets two meters beneath its radiation-scorched surface
In short: While most Mars missions focus on the dust and rocks of the exterior, a new strategy aims deeper. By drilling down to 6.6 feet, scientists hope to find organic molecules shielded from harsh conditions—potentially preserving the chemical signatures of ancient life for billions of years.
The ExoMars program represents a multi-stage effort to decode Martian history. It began with the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), a joint venture between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Roscosmos. The TGO's primary objective is atmospheric chemistry, specifically scanning for trace gases like methane that might indicate ongoing geological or biological activity. To support these efforts, the orbiter also serves as a vital data relay for NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance rovers.
A critical component of this program was the Schiaparelli lander, which served as an Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) demonstrator. While it successfully entered the atmosphere to test key technologies, the mission team lost contact shortly before its expected touchdown in the Meridiani Planum region. This experience provided essential data for future surface missions, including the upcoming Rosalind Franklin rover.
The Rosalind Franklin rover is designed to be a game-changer by reaching depths of approximately 6.6 feet (two meters) below the surface. At these depths, samples are protected from the planet's extreme temperatures and intense surface radiation, which can degrade organic matter. The rover will carry an onboard laboratory featuring NASA-contributed components like the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) to detect and characterize organic molecules in situ.
This international cooperation is expanding rapidly. In May 2024, NASA and ESA signed an agreement to increase NASA's contributions to the Rosalind Franklin mission. These include providing a U.S. commercial launch vehicle, the lander's propulsion system, and Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) to keep the rover's electronics functional in the frigid Martian environment.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: ExoMars at Mars
- Also: ExoMars Program - NASA Science
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