Checking ExoMars 2016's bioburden

Bioburden assay on the back cover flight model of the ExoMars 2016 Schiaparelli lander module at Airbus Space and Defence’s facility in Toulouse, France. Assays are performed as part of the Agency’s efforts to prevent microbial lifeforms hitching a ride on missions to other planets and moons in our Solar System. Teams regularly scour cleanrooms and launch facilities, on the hunt for any microbial inhabitants.