ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter during tests

ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter module is seen here during tests in the anechoic test chamber of Thales Alenia Space, in Cannes, France, on 5 March 2015.

The Orbiter itself will remain in Mars orbit to image surface features and study the composition of the atmosphere.

The first mission of the ExoMars programme, scheduled to arrive at Mars in 2016, consists of a Trace Gas Orbiter plus an Entry, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module (EDM). The main objectives of this mission are to search for evidence of methane and other trace atmospheric gases that could be signatures of active biological or geological processes and to test key technologies in preparation for ESA's contribution to subsequent missions to Mars.