Missions in Space - Mars Express
Launch - 2 June 2003
The Mars Express space probe (launched on 02/06/2003) was the European Space Agency's (ESA) first project to visit another planet in the Solar System. The spacecraft's seven scientific instruments and Beagle 2 lander craft plan to spend more than one Martian year (687 Earth days) investigating the geology, atmosphere, surface environment, history of water and potential for life on Mars.
Artist's impression of Mars Express arriving in orbit on 25/12/2003
© NASA
The ESA mission is so named (Express) to reflect the rapid and streamlined development time of the craft's technology in a way that reduces costs. Only 116 kg was allowed for all seven instruments and 69 kg for the lander craft that makes contact with the planet's surface.
Images from Mars Express, showing evidence for water flow on the Martian surface
© NASA
