June 1, 2003

Mars Express, the European Space Agency's first planetary mission, was launched.

Baikonur, Kazakhstan | European Space Agency

Watercolor painting based depiction of Mars Express, the European Space Agency's first planetary mission, was launched. (2003)

Mars Express Launch - June 2, 2003

The Mars Express mission, initiated by the European Space Agency (ESA), marked a significant milestone in planetary exploration as ESA’s first mission to another planet. Launched on June 2, 2003, at 23:45 UTC aboard a Soyuz-FG/Fregat rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Mars Express was designed to explore the Martian atmosphere, surface, and sub-surface, significantly enhancing our understanding of the Red Planet.

Objectives and Instruments

Mars Express carried a suite of scientific instruments aimed at a comprehensive study of Mars:

  • High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC): Designed for high-resolution imaging to map the Martian surface.
  • Omegat (OMEGA): A visible and infrared mineralogical mapping spectrometer, crucial for identifying the planet’s surface composition.
  • Planetary Fourier Spectrometer (PFS): For analyzing atmospheric composition and thermal behavior.
  • Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS): A key tool for investigating subsurface structures and identifying signs of water.
  • Energetic Neutral Atoms Analyzer (ASPERA): For studying the solar wind’s interaction with Mars.
  • Ultraviolet and Infrared Atmospheric Spectrometer (SPICAM): Engaged in studying the atmospheric properties and composition.

Significance

Mars Express was pivotal as Europe’s inaugural solo mission to another planet, showcasing the continent’s growing capabilities in space exploration. The mission was not just a technological achievement; it also fostered international collaboration and data sharing, with instruments contributed by various European nations and data sharing arrangements with NASA and Russian space agencies.

Impact and Discoveries

Since its arrival at Mars in December 2003, Mars Express has made several groundbreaking discoveries:

  • Watery Past: Provided strong evidence for the existence of water in Mars’ past, including vast flood plains and the presence of minerals formed in water.
  • Methane Detection: Made the first detection of methane in the Martian atmosphere, sparking discussions on potential biological activity or geological processes.
  • Geological Features: Revealed detailed views of the planet’s intricate geological features, contributing to our understanding of its evolution.

Mars Express remains operational and continues to conduct valuable scientific measurements, extending our comprehension of Mars and demonstrating the enduring success and importance of international planetary missions.

Source: www.esa.int

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