ExoMars Rover (Rosalind Franklin): Europe’s Bold Step Toward Discovering Life on Mars

Mars has long captivated the human imagination. From ancient civilizations gazing at its rust-colored glow in the night sky to modern space agencies crafting robotic explorers, our fascination with the Red Planet remains unwavering. But beyond curiosity, Mars presents one of the most profound scientific challenges of our time: Did life ever exist there?

This is the fundamental question that the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover seeks to answer. Unlike previous rovers that have scratched the surface, Rosalind Franklin is designed to dig deep—literally. Equipped with advanced drilling technology, the rover will extract samples from up to two meters beneath the Martian surface, where ancient biological material may have been shielded from radiation and harsh atmospheric conditions.

The ExoMars rover is a key part of the European Space Agency (ESA)’s ExoMars program, a multi-phase effort to explore the Martian surface and atmosphere. Originally a joint project with Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, the mission faced years of delays, technical obstacles, and geopolitical challenges before a final launch target of 2028 was set.

With its cutting-edge suite of scientific instruments, the Rosalind Franklin rover could bring us closer than ever to confirming whether Mars once harbored microbial life. This would not only be a monumental discovery in planetary science but could reshape our understanding of life’s place in the universe.

Origins and Development of the ExoMars Program

The ExoMars program is one of the most ambitious planetary exploration missions ever undertaken by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with NASA and, previously, Roscosmos. Its origins trace back to the early 2000s when European scientists began planning an advanced Mars exploration initiative focused on searching for signs of past or present life.

Early Vision and Planning

The concept of ExoMars was initially proposed in 2001 as part of ESA’s broader planetary exploration roadmap. The mission aimed to deploy a robotic lander and rover on Mars to investigate biological and geochemical processes that could indicate past life. By 2005, ESA formally approved ExoMars as a two-phase program:

1. A Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and Entry Demonstrator Module (Schiaparelli) in 2016
2. A sophisticated rover equipped with a deep-drilling system

While the first phase (TGO and Schiaparelli) successfully launched in 2016, the second phase—the Rosalind Franklin rover—faced multiple technical, financial, and geopolitical hurdles.

Collaboration with Roscosmos and NASA

Originally, ESA partnered with NASA to launch ExoMars in 2018, using an American Atlas V rocket. However, due to budget constraints, NASA withdrew from the project in 2012, forcing ESA to seek a new partner. This led to a collaboration with Roscosmos, which agreed to provide a Proton-M rocket and key landing technology, including the Kazachok lander.

However, after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, ESA severed ties with Roscosmos, halting the mission’s progress. This geopolitical disruption forced ESA to seek alternative launch options, leading to the current plan to launch in 2028 with NASA’s support.

Why Was It Named Rosalind Franklin?

The rover was originally referred to simply as the ExoMars rover, but in 2019, ESA officially named it Rosalind Franklin, honoring the British scientist who played a crucial role in discovering DNA’s double-helix structure. This choice symbolizes the mission’s focus on detecting biosignatures and understanding the molecular basis of life beyond Earth.

Despite years of setbacks, the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin mission remains one of ESA’s most scientifically significant undertakings, aiming to uncover the secrets of Mars' ancient past and its potential to host life.

Mission Objectives

The ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover is not just another Mars mission—it is a groundbreaking scientific endeavor designed to address one of the most profound questions in planetary exploration: Did Mars ever support life? The mission is built around this central objective, guiding every aspect of its design, technology, and scientific instruments.

Searching for Past Life on Mars

Mars was once a warmer and wetter planet, with rivers, lakes, and even possibly oceans covering its surface billions of years ago. If microbial life ever existed on Mars, evidence of it may still be buried beneath the planet’s surface. Unlike previous rovers, which have only studied the top layers of Martian soil, Rosalind Franklin is uniquely equipped to drill up to 2 meters deep, where potential biosignatures may be better preserved from radiation and oxidation.

The rover will explore Oxia Planum, a region rich in ancient clay deposits that likely formed in a water-rich environment. Since clay minerals can trap and protect organic molecules, this site was selected as a prime candidate for discovering signs of past life.

Advanced Drilling Technology and Soil Analysis

One of Rosalind Franklin’s most critical innovations is its automated drill, designed to extract subsurface samples that have remained untouched for billions of years. These samples will be analyzed using the rover’s onboard analytical laboratory, which can detect even minute traces of organic molecules.

This deep-drilling capability distinguishes Rosalind Franklin from past missions, including NASA’s Perseverance rover, which primarily collects surface samples for future return to Earth. By studying underground Martian soil, the mission could provide direct evidence of past habitability—perhaps even uncovering preserved remnants of microbial life.

Key Scientific Instruments and Their Functions

Rosalind Franklin carries a sophisticated suite of instruments designed for life detection and environmental analysis. Each instrument plays a crucial role in studying the geology, chemistry, and atmospheric conditions of Mars:

• Pasteur Instrument Suite – The core of the rover’s life-detection capabilities, this laboratory analyzes soil samples for organic compounds and other biosignatures.
• WISDOM (Radar for Subsurface Exploration) – A ground-penetrating radar that helps identify buried layers of rock, ice, and sediment, guiding the drilling process.
• Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) – Detects molecular fingerprints of organic compounds and minerals, helping determine whether Mars’ surface has ever interacted with biological materials.
• MicrOmega (Visible and Infrared Imaging Spectrometer) – Examines the composition of soil samples to identify minerals associated with water activity.
• PanCam (Panoramic Camera System) – Provides high-resolution imaging to study surface geology and select promising drilling sites.
• CLUPI (Close-Up Imager) – Captures detailed images of drill samples, offering insight into their fine-scale structures.

By combining these advanced tools, Rosalind Franklin will conduct the most comprehensive search for life on Mars to date. If the rover finds organic molecules or chemical signatures suggestive of ancient microbes, it would mark a turning point in planetary science, fundamentally altering our understanding of life beyond Earth.

Rover Design and Technology

The Rosalind Franklin rover represents one of the most advanced robotic explorers ever built for planetary science. Designed for extreme autonomy, durability, and scientific precision, the rover is equipped to handle the harsh Martian environment, navigate treacherous terrain, and perform cutting-edge life-detection experiments. Every component, from its chassis to its power system, is engineered to support its ambitious mission.

Engineering and Construction

Built by Airbus Defence and Space under the leadership of the European Space Agency (ESA), the Rosalind Franklin rover is designed for long-term survival on Mars. It weighs around 310 kg and stands roughly 1.8 meters long, making it smaller than NASA’s Perseverance rover but optimized for its unique objectives.

The rover’s body houses its science instruments, computing systems, communication antennas, and mobility hardware. Its frame is composed of lightweight yet durable materials, ensuring resilience against Mars' intense radiation, dust storms, and extreme temperature fluctuations.

A key feature of the rover’s design is its autonomous drilling system, which enables it to collect subsurface samples without direct human control. The drill is constructed using high-strength alloys capable of cutting through rock and compacted soil while preserving fragile organic molecules.

Mobility and Autonomy on Mars' Terrain

Navigating Mars presents significant challenges—uneven landscapes, loose sand, and steep inclines can easily trap a rover. To overcome this, Rosalind Franklin is equipped with a six-wheel suspension system, featuring:

• Independently actuated wheels – Each wheel can move separately, allowing for adaptive terrain navigation.
• "ExoMars Wheel-Walking" technology – Unlike traditional rovers, Rosalind Franklin can crawl like a caterpillar, using coordinated wheel movements to escape soft, sandy terrain.
• Tilted wheel axes – Designed to maximize grip and reduce sinking in loose soil.

Autonomy is another major technological leap. The rover uses AI-driven hazard detection and navigation algorithms, enabling it to travel without waiting for commands from Earth. This self-guided movement allows it to explore a wider area while optimizing power usage.

Power Sources and Heating Systems

Surviving on Mars requires a reliable energy source and a system to withstand the planet’s frigid temperatures, which can plummet to -120°C at night. Unlike some other Mars rovers that use radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), Rosalind Franklin relies on:

• Solar panels – Large, foldable panels that absorb sunlight to generate electricity.
• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries – Store excess energy to power the rover during dust storms or nighttime operations.

To prevent its internal systems from freezing, the rover uses internal heaters and thermal insulation, ensuring that its instruments remain operational even in extreme cold.

Every aspect of Rosalind Franklin’s design and technology is tailored to maximize its chances of success, allowing it to perform complex scientific tasks while navigating one of the most hostile environments in the solar system.

Landing and Exploration Strategy

The Rosalind Franklin rover will undergo one of the most complex Mars landing sequences ever attempted. Unlike previous NASA missions that relied on Sky Crane systems or airbags, this rover will use a Russian-built landing platform, developed by Roscosmos, to ensure a safe and precise touchdown.

The mission’s landing site, descent challenges, and exploration route have been carefully planned to maximize the scientific return while minimizing risks.

Target Landing Site and Scientific Importance

After years of analysis, scientists selected Oxia Planum as the landing site. Located near Mars' equator, Oxia Planum was chosen due to:

• Ancient Water Deposits – The region features clay-rich sediments, suggesting long-term water activity, a key requirement for past microbial life.
• Preserved Geological Record – The site contains some of the oldest exposed rocks on Mars, dating back over 4 billion years, providing an ideal window into Mars' past climate.
• Safe Terrain for Landing – Compared to other regions, Oxia Planum has relatively flat terrain, reducing the risk of landing hazards such as large boulders or steep slopes.

This landing site is expected to offer one of the best chances for discovering preserved biosignatures—chemical or structural traces left by past life.

Expected Challenges During Descent and Operations

Landing on Mars remains one of the most dangerous aspects of any mission, with a significant history of failures and partial successes. The Rosalind Franklin rover will face multiple hazards:

• Atmospheric Entry – The spacecraft will enter Mars’ thin atmosphere at speeds of over 21,000 km/h, requiring a heat shield to prevent it from burning up.
• Supersonic Parachute Deployment – To slow the descent, the mission will use a parachute system. However, recent ExoMars parachute tests revealed issues with tearing, leading to redesigns and further testing.
• Retropropulsion and Landing Platform – Unlike NASA’s Sky Crane method, this mission will use retro-rockets and a Russian-built landing platform to ensure a soft touchdown. The platform will also serve as a scientific station, carrying additional instruments to analyze Mars' atmosphere and surface conditions.
• Dust Storms – Mars experiences seasonal dust storms that can reduce solar panel efficiency and obscure visibility for navigation.

Once safely on the ground, the rover must carefully deploy its solar panels, unfold its wheels, and begin autonomous movement, all while ensuring all systems remain functional after the intense descent.

Planned Route and Research Methodology

The Rosalind Franklin rover’s primary exploration plan is centered around autonomous navigation and strategic sampling. Unlike previous rovers that relied heavily on Earth-based commands, this rover features AI-powered terrain mapping and obstacle avoidance, allowing it to explore more efficiently.

• Initial Operations – After landing, the rover will perform a self-check to confirm all instruments are operational.
• Navigation Strategy – The onboard hazard detection system will assess the landscape and choose a safe exploration path to avoid sand traps, steep inclines, or large rocks.
• Drilling and Sample Collection – The rover’s 2-meter drill will be used to extract subsurface samples, minimizing exposure to harmful radiation and oxidation, which can destroy organic materials.
• In-Situ Analysis – Rather than sending samples back to Earth, Rosalind Franklin is equipped with advanced onboard laboratories to analyze the chemistry, mineralogy, and potential biosignatures in real time.

The mission will focus on exploring clay-rich areas, as they offer the best chance of preserving organic molecules from billions of years ago. Each sample will be examined for complex carbon-based compounds, isotopic signatures, and possible microfossils, helping to answer one of the biggest questions in planetary science: Was Mars ever home to life?

International Collaboration

The ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover is a prime example of global cooperation in planetary exploration. Spearheaded by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with Roscosmos, the mission has also benefited from contributions from NASA and various scientific institutions worldwide.

The partnership brings together cutting-edge engineering, scientific expertise, and technology to push the boundaries of Mars exploration, setting the stage for future collaborative missions.

Role of ESA and NASA in the Mission

ESA has been the driving force behind the Rosalind Franklin rover, managing design, development, and scientific objectives. However, NASA's contributions have also been critical in ensuring the success of this ambitious endeavor.

• ESA's Role

  • Mission Leadership – ESA has overseen the mission’s planning, funding, and execution.
  • Rover Development – ESA led the construction of the Rosalind Franklin rover, focusing on its advanced drilling system and scientific instruments.
  • Scientific Oversight – The European space community has played a key role in defining the rover’s scientific goals, particularly in searching for past life on Mars.

• NASA's Role

  • Technical Support – NASA provided crucial expertise in entry, descent, and landing technologies.
  • Navigation and Communication – The mission relies on NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) for communication with Earth.
  • Scientific Collaboration – NASA has contributed to the instrument payload, including analytical tools that will examine Martian soil and atmosphere.

Contributions from Various Countries and Organizations

The ExoMars rover has benefited from the expertise of multiple countries and institutions, each playing a specialized role in its development:

• United Kingdom (UK) – Led the development of the rover, including its autonomous navigation system and core engineering components.
• Russia (Roscosmos) – Built the Kazachok landing platform, which will deliver the rover to Mars and conduct environmental studies.
• Italy – Provided key funding for the mission and contributed to analytical instruments onboard the rover.
• Germany – Developed the wheels and mobility system, allowing the rover to traverse rough terrain.
• France – Played a major role in the spectroscopy instruments, crucial for identifying organic compounds in Martian soil.
• Spain – Developed the weather station onboard the landing platform, which will study Mars’ climate and atmospheric conditions.

Impact on Future Mars Exploration Missions

The international nature of the Rosalind Franklin mission paves the way for even greater global cooperation in future planetary exploration. The lessons learned from this mission will directly influence upcoming Mars programs, including:

• Mars Sample Return (NASA & ESA) – The technology developed for Martian drilling and sample analysis will be crucial for upcoming missions that aim to return Martian samples to Earth.
• Artemis Lunar Missions (NASA & ESA Collaboration) – The technological advancements in mobility and autonomous systems could be adapted for lunar exploration, especially in the search for subsurface water ice.
• Human Mars Missions – Understanding Martian geology, climate, and habitability through Rosalind Franklin’s findings will be instrumental in preparing for crewed missions to Mars in the coming decades.

By bringing together the best scientific minds and technological expertise from multiple countries, the ExoMars rover serves as a model for future interplanetary exploration, ensuring that space research remains a truly global endeavor.

Challenges and Delays in the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover Mission

The ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover has faced significant delays and technical hurdles, pushing its launch to 2028. Several key factors contributed to this postponement:

1. Geopolitical Shifts and Mission Planning Changes

• Originally, ExoMars was a joint project between ESA (European Space Agency) and Roscosmos (Russia). However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, ESA cut ties with Roscosmos, leading to the cancellation of Russia’s Proton rocket launch and the need for ESA to find new partners.
• In 2023, ESA secured a collaboration agreement with NASA to provide a Mars lander and key components, allowing the mission to move forward.

2. Technical Difficulties in Rover Development

• One of the biggest challenges has been ensuring that the rover’s drilling system—designed to dig 2 meters into the Martian soil—can operate effectively. The drill, developed by Leonardo (an Italian aerospace company), has undergone extensive testing in Mars-like terrain simulations in Turin, Italy.
• Past Mars missions have struggled with drilling beyond a few centimeters, making the ExoMars drill a technological breakthrough if it works as planned.

3. Adjustments for the 2028 Launch

• To adapt to the loss of Russian contributions, ESA had to redesign certain mission components, particularly the landing system and propulsion.
• NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is now developing the landing and braking system, which must ensure a safe touchdown on Oxia Planum, the rover’s designated landing site.
• Testing is ongoing for the rover’s autonomy and mobility systems, ensuring it can navigate the challenging Martian terrain independently.

Despite these challenges, ESA and NASA remain committed to launching the Rosalind Franklin rover in 2028, with an expected Mars landing in 2030.

Significance for the Future

The ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover represents a pivotal step in the exploration of Mars, pushing the boundaries of astrobiology, engineering, and planetary science. The mission’s success will shape future Mars exploration efforts, including potential human colonization.

1. Contributions to the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

• The rover is equipped with a 2-meter deep drill, enabling it to extract samples that have been shielded from surface radiation and potential contamination. These deep samples increase the likelihood of finding preserved organic molecules—a key factor in determining whether Mars once hosted microbial life.
• Instruments like MOMA (Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer) will perform advanced chemical analyses, looking for biosignatures that may indicate past life.
• If organic compounds are found in these deep layers, it would provide unprecedented evidence that Mars may have supported life billions of years ago.

2. Technological Advancements in Space Exploration

• The Rosalind Franklin rover features high-level autonomy, meaning it can navigate complex Martian terrain without direct human control. This technology lays the groundwork for future robotic missions on Mars and other planets.
• The sample retrieval and analysis techniques tested in this mission will benefit NASA’s Mars Sample Return program, which aims to bring Martian material back to Earth for detailed examination.
• The adaptive drilling system and Mars-resistant construction materials used in Rosalind Franklin will be crucial for designing future robotic and human landers.

3. Implications for Future Mars Colonization Efforts

• The search for subsurface water and organic compounds is critical for understanding whether Mars could support human life in the future. If water-rich minerals or ice are found beneath the surface, it could provide a valuable resource for future astronauts.
• The rover’s findings will help refine site selection for future human missions, ensuring that future astronauts land in areas with scientific and survival value.
• The long-term goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on Mars relies on understanding its geological history, climate, and potential resources—all of which the Rosalind Franklin mission will help uncover.

By advancing the search for life beyond Earth, refining autonomous robotic technologies, and contributing to human settlement plans, the Rosalind Franklin rover will leave a lasting impact on Mars exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why was the ExoMars mission delayed to 2028?

The primary reason for the delay was the termination of ESA’s collaboration with Roscosmos (Russia) due to geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Originally, Russia was responsible for launching the rover on a Proton rocket and providing the Kazachok landing platform. After the partnership was severed, ESA had to redesign the mission and seek help from NASA, leading to delays (Source: Space.com).

2. What makes the Rosalind Franklin rover different from NASA’s Perseverance?

Unlike Perseverance, which focuses on surface-level analysis, Rosalind Franklin can drill up to 2 meters below the surface. This depth is crucial because subsurface samples are more likely to contain well-preserved biosignatures, increasing the chances of detecting past or present microbial life (Source: Phys.org).

3. What is the significance of the 2028 launch date?

Mars missions can only launch during specific 26-month windows when Earth and Mars are best aligned. The next available window after the recent delays is in 2028, meaning further postponements would push the mission beyond this timeframe (Source: Space.com).

4. Will the mission still be relevant in 2028?

Yes, because Mars remains largely unexplored, and new scientific questions continue to emerge. The landing site is believed to have had a significant amount of water in the past, making it a prime location to search for ancient life. Moreover, ExoMars' drilling capability remains unique compared to other rovers (Source: Phys.org).

5. How will NASA contribute to the redesigned mission?

NASA is expected to provide descent engines similar to those used in the Curiosity and Perseverance landings, as well as radioactive heating units that ESA does not currently manufacture. These contributions are essential for the rover's survival in the harsh Martian environment (Source: Space.com).

6. How does ExoMars relate to the Mars Sample Return mission?

ESA and NASA plan to collaborate on the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, which aims to retrieve rock samples collected by both Perseverance and Rosalind Franklin. This means ExoMars could contribute critical samples to the first-ever Mars sample return effort, potentially by 2030 (Source: Phys.org).