Mars

Mars is a key pillar of ESA’s long-term exploration strategy and an important destination in the search for past or present life beyond Earth. Through a series of robotic missions, ESA has built a strong scientific and technological foundation to investigate the environment, geology, and habitability of the Red Planet.

ESA’s Mars programme includes landmark missions such as Mars Express (led by ESA’s Science Directorate), which has been studying the planet from orbit since 2003, and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, analysing the Martian atmosphere for trace gases linked to geological or biological activity. The upcoming ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover, planned for launch in 2028, will drill beneath the surface to search for well-preserved biosignatures, addressing one of the most profound scientific questions of our time.

Looking ahead, ESA is preparing for the next phase of Mars exploration, including advanced technologies to enable future robotic and human missions. By advancing scientific knowledge, entry, descent and landing capabilities, and surface operations, ESA is helping pave the way toward sustained exploration of Mars, bringing us closer to understanding the planet’s history and its potential to have supported life.