Airbus to Build Landing Platform for ESA's ExoMars Rover After Russia Withdrawal

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Airbus Defence and Space to construct the landing platform for its ExoMars rover mission, set to launch in 2028, with a landing on Mars expected in 2030. The move comes as a replacement to Russia's original role, following the country's invasion of Ukraine, which led to the suspension of cooperation between ESA and Roscosmos. Airbus will build the landing platform at its Stevenage, England, facility, while Thales Alenia Space remains the prime contractor for the mission. The landing platform will manage the rover's final descent and deploy ramps for the rover, named Rosalind Franklin, once it touches down on the Martian terrain. The U.K. government valued Airbus's contract at £150 million ($194 million). NASA will contribute throttlable braking engines and radioisotope heating units, requiring a U.S. launch vehicle. Experts harbor high hopes for the Rosalind Franklin rover's scientific potential, which includes its ability to drill up to two meters beneath the Martian surface in search of life signatures. The project faced significant delays, initially planned for a 2022 launch, but now aims for a launch between October and December 2028. Commentary: ESA's decision showcases Europe's adaptability and commitment to continue high-stakes scientific endeavors despite geopolitical turbulences. However, the dependency on NASA for critical components and launch services might bring uncertainties, especially in the face of potential shifts in U.S. political stances. Nonetheless, the ExoMars mission offers a beacon of hope for astrobiology, as it seeks answers to fundamental questions about life beyond Earth.