Extended Mars Yard opening

The state-of-the-art Mars yard in Stevenage, UK.

The yard simulates the martian surface, complete with rocky obstacles, providing a realistic training ground for developing rover navigation systems.

Pictured at the inauguration are:

from left to right: Andrew Stroomer, UK National Director for Earth Observation, Navigation and Science, Airbus Defence and Space;  David Parker, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency; Alvaro Giménez, ESA's Director of Science and Robotic Exploration; and Vince Cable, the UK Secretary of State for Business.