The quest to find life on Mars has taken an interesting turn. A British space company has stepped in to replace a Russian corporation in a European mission to Mars. This company, Airbus, is based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. They will be working on the ExoMars lander, which will gently place the Rosalind Franklin rover on the Martian surface.

The original plan involved a Russian landing platform called Kazachok. However, the mission was put on hold due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Now, Airbus will develop a new landing platform. This platform will use a parachute system to slow down and safely touch down on Mars. Once on the surface, it will deploy the rover to begin its mission.

The ExoMars programme was initially planned to launch in 2020. It was a joint effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian space agency, Roscosmos. However, the Russians took over from the Americans in 2012. The Americans had to quit the project due to shifting priorities. The plan also included using a Russian rocket for the launch. But due to sanctions, this joint project became impossible. Now, the Americans will launch the rover in 2028, and it is expected to land in 2030.

Rosalind Franklin will be the first rover to dig up samples from two meters below the Martian surface. Its goal is to search for signs of past or present life. This rover is named after a British pioneer in DNA research. It was designed and built in a special clean-room in Stevenage to avoid any contamination.

Airbus will be responsible for designing the lander's mechanical, thermal, and propulsion systems. This includes two ramps on opposite sides. These ramps will allow the rover to safely drive onto the Martian surface. Airbus has been involved with the project since the rover's design and construction.

The mission is a significant challenge and the result of over 20 years of work. It will greatly advance our understanding of the solar system. The UK's involvement in this mission will also boost its space expertise and create many highly skilled jobs. The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology highlighted that this mission will not only make history but also secure Britain's future in the space race.

Mars Mission: UK Firm Takes Over Russian Role in Search for Life

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