Searching for the chemical signatures of Martian life
In short: The ExoMars mission is preparing to launch a joint European and Russian spacecraft to investigate the Martian atmosphere. This video tracks the complex journey from Earth to Mars, detailing the orbital maneuvers and the high-speed descent of a lander designed to find signs of life.
The mission utilizes the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and the Schiaparelli lander to search for methane and other rare gases. These substances are significant because they can be produced by geological activity or as a byproduct of current biological processes on the planet.
The spacecraft will travel to Mars, where Schiaparelli will separate from the orbiter three days before arrival. The lander will then coast in hibernation mode before beginning a 20,000 km/hour descent to the surface. The ultimate goal is to clarify the origin of Martian methane and provide deeper insight into the planet's water and environment.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: ExoMars prepares for launch
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