The European Space Agency's (ESA) Rosalind Franklin Mars rover finally has a confirmed launch vehicle. NASA announced on April 16, 2026, that it has selected SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket to launch the rover, with a target launch date as early as late 2028 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The mission, a collaboration between ESA and Russia's Roscosmos agency called ExoMars, was originally scheduled for launch in 2022. It was suspended following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent severing of most space partnerships. Since then, ESA has sought a new launch provider and landing platform, with NASA stepping in to facilitate the mission's revival.
NASA's role includes providing the launch service, elements of the landing system, and heaters for the rover's instruments. The Rosalind Franklin rover is designed to drill up to two meters below the Martian surface to search for signs of past life, a capability unmatched by any previous mission.
The selection of SpaceX concludes a lengthy period of uncertainty for the mission. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher stated the agency is "very pleased" with NASA's support, which ensures the rover's path to Mars after years of delay.
