The ExoMars 2016 mission, a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian space agency Roscosmos, aimed to advance our understanding of Mars and its potential for past or present life. A key component of this mission was the Schiaparelli module, designed to demonstrate landing technologies and gather data about the Martian atmosphere. The Schiaparelli module was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, marking a significant milestone in international space exploration efforts.

Background of the ExoMars Mission

The ExoMars program consists of two missions: the first, which included the Schiaparelli lander and the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), launched in March 2016. The second mission, planned for 2022, aims to deploy a rover on the Martian surface. The primary objectives of the first mission were to investigate the presence of methane and other trace gases in the Martian atmosphere, which could indicate biological activity, and to test new technologies for landing on Mars.

The Schiaparelli lander was named after the Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli, who made significant contributions to the study of Mars in the late 19th century. The lander was equipped with scientific instruments to measure atmospheric conditions during its descent and to analyze the Martian surface upon landing.

Launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome

The Schiaparelli module was launched aboard a Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on March 14, 2016. Baikonur, located in Kazakhstan, is one of the world’s oldest and largest space launch facilities, having been established in the 1950s. The choice of Baikonur for the ExoMars launch was strategic, as it provided a reliable launch platform with a history of successful missions.

The Proton-M rocket, known for its heavy-lift capabilities, was tasked with delivering both the Schiaparelli lander and the TGO into orbit. The launch was a critical step in the mission, as it set the stage for the subsequent journey to Mars, which lasted approximately seven months.

Objectives and Scientific Instruments

The primary goal of the Schiaparelli lander was to test landing technologies that would be essential for future missions, particularly the planned ExoMars rover. The lander was equipped with several scientific instruments, including:

  • Atmospheric Sensor Suite: This suite was designed to measure temperature, pressure, and wind speed during the descent phase, providing valuable data about the Martian atmosphere.
  • Surface Science Package: This included instruments to analyze the Martian soil and assess its composition, which is crucial for understanding the planet's geology and potential habitability.
  • Landing Technology Demonstration: Schiaparelli was equipped with a series of sensors and systems to test the landing sequence, including a radar altimeter and a descent camera.

Descent and Landing Challenges

After a successful journey to Mars, the Schiaparelli lander entered the Martian atmosphere on October 19, 2016. The descent was intended to be a complex sequence involving atmospheric braking, parachute deployment, and powered descent. However, the landing did not go as planned.

During the descent, the lander experienced a series of anomalies. Preliminary analysis indicated that the lander’s onboard computer miscalculated its altitude and velocity, leading to the premature activation of its thrusters. This resulted in a hard landing on the Martian surface, and the lander was unable to complete its scientific objectives. Despite this setback, valuable data was collected during the descent phase, contributing to the understanding of Martian atmospheric conditions.

Impact on Future Missions

Although the Schiaparelli lander did not achieve a successful landing, the mission provided critical insights into the challenges of landing on Mars. The data gathered during the descent will inform future missions, including the ExoMars rover, which aims to land on Mars in the coming years. The lessons learned from Schiaparelli’s descent will help improve landing technologies and increase the chances of success for future explorations.

The ExoMars program continues to be a focal point for international collaboration in space exploration. The partnership between ESA and Roscosmos exemplifies the importance of shared knowledge and resources in addressing the complexities of interplanetary missions. As scientists and engineers analyze the data from Schiaparelli, they remain committed to advancing our understanding of Mars and the potential for life beyond Earth.

Conclusion

The ExoMars 2016 mission, particularly the Schiaparelli module, represents a significant step in the exploration of Mars. While the lander did not achieve its primary objectives, the mission provided invaluable data and insights that will shape future endeavors on the Red Planet. As humanity continues to explore Mars, the lessons learned from Schiaparelli will play a crucial role in paving the way for successful missions to come.

Sources

European Space Agency — ExoMars 2016 Mission Overview —

NASA — ExoMars Schiaparelli Lander —

Space.com — What Went Wrong with the ExoMars Schiaparelli Lander? —

Roscosmos — ExoMars 2016 Launch —

Planetary Society — ExoMars: The Schiaparelli Lander —