The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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The Rosalind Franklin ‘ground test model’ being commanded for the first time via the Rover Operations Control Centre, in Turin, Italy. The rover is situated on a tilt table and is pictured here with its drill box inclined. As part of recent system verification tests, the replica rover was commanded to deploy its drill with a dummy sample onboard, transporting it to the Analytical Laboratory Drawer.
In reality, on Mars, a sophisticated laboratory inside the rover will then analyse the sample’s composition. It is the first time in Mars exploration that a rover will be able to retrieve soil samples down to 2 m underground, where ancient biomarkers may still be preserved from the harsh radiation on the surface.
The tilt table allows engineers to test the rover’s capabilities in a range of inclinations.