The ExoMars Rover, named Rosalind Franklin after the pioneering scientist who contributed to the discovery of the DNA structure, is a key part of the ExoMars mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with Roscosmos, the Russian space agency. The ExoMars program aims to search for signs of life on Mars, investigate the planet’s geological history, and gather information that will be useful for future human exploration.
Key Features and Objectives of the Rosalind Franklin Rover
The main scientific objective of Rosalind Franklin is to look for evidence of past or present life on Mars. Unlike previous rovers that have focused primarily on surface geology and climate, Rosalind Franklin will dig beneath the Martian surface to search for biomarkers—chemical signatures that could indicate life. It will carry out one of the most comprehensive searches for life in the history of Mars exploration.
One of Rosalind Franklin’s standout features is its drilling capability. The rover is equipped with a 2-meter drill, allowing it to access subsurface layers that are better preserved from the harsh surface conditions. Mars’ surface is exposed to radiation, which can degrade potential biosignatures, so drilling deep allows scientists to access more pristine materials that may hold clues about life.
Scientific Instruments
Rosalind Franklin is outfitted with a suite of cutting-edge scientific instruments for analyzing Martian soil and rock samples. These include:
- WISDOM (Radar for Subsurface Imaging): A ground-penetrating radar that will help identify promising drilling locations by mapping the subsurface structure.
- MOMA (Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer): Designed to detect organic molecules, which are critical for identifying possible biosignatures.
- PanCam: A panoramic camera system for taking high-resolution images of the Martian surface, helping with navigation and selecting drilling sites.
- Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS): This will analyze the chemical composition of samples, focusing on minerals that might have been altered by water.
Mobility and Autonomy
The rover has a six-wheel drive system that will enable it to traverse the challenging Martian terrain. It’s designed to be highly autonomous, capable of planning its own routes and making decisions about where to go and what to investigate based on data from its instruments.
Importance of the Rosalind Franklin Rover
The Rosalind Franklin rover is crucial for advancing the search for life on Mars. By drilling into the Martian subsurface, it will access areas where potential biosignatures are better preserved from cosmic radiation and other surface-level factors that might degrade organic materials. The mission will provide insights into Mars’ habitability in the past and help answer one of humanity’s most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe?
Additionally, the technology demonstrated by Rosalind Franklin will contribute to future Mars missions, especially those involving humans. Understanding the geological history and potential resources on Mars, such as water ice, is essential for planning long-term human exploration and habitation of the planet.
Current Status
Rosalind Franklin will land in Oxia Planum, a region rich in ancient clay deposits. These clay minerals are important because they typically form in the presence of water and can trap and preserve organic materials, making them an ideal site for searching for biosignatures.
The Rosalind Franklin rover was originally planned for launch in 2020 but faced delays due to technical issues and the need for further testing, as well as geopolitical factors impacting collaboration between ESA and Roscosmos. The launch has now been postponed to 2028.
