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After a saga of broken promises, a European rover finally has a ride to Mars
NASA’s support includes a launch contract worth $175.7 million and hardware to help the European rover land and survive Mars nights.
- On April 16, NASA selected SpaceX's Falcon Heavy to launch the European Space Agency's Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars in late 2028, with a contract valued at $175.7 million.
- Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the ESA severed its partnership on the ExoMars mission and sought alternative support. NASA stepped in to provide the launch vehicle, braking engines, and radioisotope heater units under a 2024 agreement.
- Managed under the Rosalind Franklin Support and Augmentation project, NASA's contributions include electronics, a mass spectrometer, and thermal systems. The $175.7 million cost mirrors the 2024 Europa Clipper launch for $178 million.
- The White House's 2027 budget proposal seeks to cancel ROSA, one of 10 planetary science missions facing termination representing 29% of the agency's portfolio. Congress restored ROSA funding in 2026 after a similar cancellation threat.
- Members of Congress from both parties oppose the proposed cuts. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., told reporters on April 12 he would seek to reverse them, while 22 senators requested $9 billion for NASA science in 2027.
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Space News
Los Angeles Weekly TimesNASA selects Falcon Heavy to launch ESA Mars rover mission despite budget threat
NASA has selected SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy to launch a European Mars rover, support for which the agency is once again proposing to cancel. The post NASA selects Falcon Heavy to launch ESA Mars rover mission despite budget threat appeared first on SpaceNews.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing the launch of Rover Rosalind Franklin, a key Mars exploration mission supported by NASA. The vehicle would take off not before the end of 2028 and will travel aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket from Florida. Named after scientist Rosalind Franklin, it is designed to move on complex terrain and operate as a mobile laboratory on the Martian surface. Our Mars rover mission Rosalind Franklin is scheduled to be …
After years of delays and broken partnerships, the European Mars Rover Rosalind Franklin finally has a concrete flight opportunity. A heavy-duty rocket is to bring the research device to the Red Planet at the end of 2028. (Read more)
Finally a good news for the European Space Agency (ESA)! NASA has just announced that it officially approves its Martian project ExoMars, and entrusts the launch of the rover to SpaceX.
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