The European Space Agency (ESA) has finalized an agreement with NASA for the launch and provision of critical elements for the Rosalind Franklin rover mission to Mars. NASA will provide the launch vehicle, a U.S.-built landing system, and heaters for the rover, replacing Russia's planned involvement following the suspension of cooperation in 2022.
The Rosalind Franklin rover, part of the ExoMars program, is designed to search for signs of past life on Mars by drilling up to two meters below the surface. Its launch is now scheduled for 2028, with arrival at Mars expected in 2030.
The mission's development had been paused after ESA terminated cooperation with Roscosmos. The new partnership with NASA, confirmed in late 2025, secures the future of the mission, with ESA member states committing funding for the rover's completion and operations.
This collaboration marks a significant step in international Mars exploration, leveraging NASA's expertise in landing systems to deliver the European rover to the Martian surface, where it will conduct a unique search for biosignatures.
