The European Space Agency (ESA) aims to create essential technologies for a Mars surface lander by the mid-2030s.
ESA is already preparing to launch the long-delayed, life-seeking Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars within the launch window that opens in 2028. However, the agency is setting its aspirations on a more challenging follow-up mission and intends to begin acquiring the required technologies and capabilities.
On December 17, the agency released a call for submissions entitled “Advanced Entry, Descent, and Landing Capability on Mars,” as initially reported by European Spaceflight. It invites Europe to “initiate advancements in guided entry landers and their corresponding technologies, steering clear of technological dead ends as capabilities evolve.” The mission seeks a high-precision landing, but additional specifics have not been disclosed.
The agency aims to commence early to “acquire sufficient insights on technology readiness, development timelines, and budget forecasts” to enhance the mission’s likelihood of proceeding post a pivotal ESA ministerial meeting scheduled for November in Bremen, Germany.
“A second reason for the urgency is that 2035 marks the most advantageous launch window in the upcoming decade,” the document indicates.
Related: Mars: All you need to understand about the Red Planet
Launch windows to Mars consist of several weeks that occur every 26 months — due to the orbital positions of the planets — during which a spacecraft can be launched to Mars using the least fuel.
ESA has additional ambitions for the Red Planet. Its “Explore 2040” initiative encompasses LightShip, an electric propulsive tug designed to transport one or more crewed spacecraft to Mars, provide communication and navigation services, and carry a variety of scientific payloads.