Mars Express, officially known as the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter, is a space probe launched to study the planet Mars. Here is detailed information about this mission:
Launch and Mission Objectives
- Mars Express was launched on June 2, 2003, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard a Soyuz-FG rocket.
- The primary objectives of the mission include:
- Global high-resolution imaging and mineralogical mapping of the surface of Mars.
- Comprehensive study of the atmosphere and climate of Mars.
- Determining the structure, composition, and history of the Martian crust, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
- Looking for signs of past or present water and life on Mars.
Scientific Instruments
- The spacecraft is equipped with seven scientific instruments:
- High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC): For detailed imaging of the Martian surface.
- Visible and Infrared Mineralogical Mapping Spectrometer (OMEGA): To map the mineral composition.
- Subsurface Sounding Radar Altimeter (MARSIS): To probe the subsurface structure.
- Planetary Fourier Spectrometer (PFS): For atmospheric studies.
- Ultraviolet and Infrared Atmospheric Spectrometer (SPICAM): To analyze the atmosphere.
- Analyzer of Space Plasmas and Energetic Atoms (ASPERA): To study solar wind interaction with the Martian atmosphere.
- MaRS (Mars Radio Science Experiment): For radio science experiments.
Key Discoveries and Achievements
- Mars Express has provided evidence for the presence of methane in the Martian atmosphere, which could be an indicator of biological or geological activity.
- The orbiter has helped in mapping the distribution of water ice beneath the Martian surface, particularly at the poles.
- It has captured images that suggest ancient river systems on Mars, hinting at a wetter past.
- In 2018, Mars Express detected a large underground lake of liquid water near the south pole of Mars.
Current Status
- As of the latest updates, Mars Express continues to operate, having exceeded its initial mission duration of one Martian year (about 687 Earth days). It has been in orbit for over 15 years, providing invaluable data.
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