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ExoMars rover ramps pass thermal-vacuum test in Italy
The ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover’s ramps have passed a thermal-vacuum test at around –70°C, a result tied to a system described as critical for rover egress.
- The ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover ramps passed a thermal-vacuum test at around –70°C.
- The 3 m-long ramps are critical hardware for the rover to leave its landing platform after landing on Mars.
- The test was carried out at Criotec facilities in Italy under Mars-like thermal-vacuum conditions.
- Astronika designed the egress subsystem, while Airbus built the landing platform and Thales Alenia Space is ExoMars prime contractor.
- The ExoMars spacecraft is scheduled to launch in 2028, with the Rosalind Franklin rover landing planned for 2030.
What happened
The ramps for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover have passed a thermal-vacuum test. The trial was carried out at around –70°C at Criotec facilities in Italy.
The result covers a system that is critical for the rover to leave its landing platform after arrival on Mars.
What we know
The ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover ramps passed a thermal-vacuum test conducted at around –70°C.
The ramps are 3 m long and are described as critical for rover egress.
The thermal-vacuum testing took place at Criotec facilities in Italy.
The facts provided say Mars has an average temperature of –55°C and a surface pressure of less than 1% of Earth’s.
Astronika designed the egress subsystem. Airbus built the landing platform, and Thales Alenia Space is the ExoMars prime contractor.
The mission’s landing capabilities are linked to a consortium of European companies.
Why it matters
For readers tracking planetary surface missions, the test matters because it covers the hardware the rover needs to get off the platform and begin surface operations.
It also marks progress on a mission element tied to harsh Mars-like conditions, with the spacecraft scheduled to launch in 2028 and the rover’s landing dated for 2030.
What's next
The ExoMars spacecraft has a launch date of 2028, and the Rosalind Franklin rover has a landing date of 2030.
Separately, the ExoMars spacecraft vibration campaign is associated with the Airbus Integrated Technology Centre in Germany.
What we are not sure about
- No exact launch or landing month is provided.
- The facts do not say when the ramps test was completed.
- The facts do not describe the outcome of the spacecraft vibration campaign.
Sources
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