The ExoMars rover can search for life near the planet's red equator

<p clbad = "canvas-atom canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "The ExoMars rover from Europe and Russia was The explorer of robots will almost certainly land on Oxia Planum – a site rich in iron-magnesium clays located near the equator – according to scientists of the working group on the selection of landing sites (LSSWG) from Leicester, UK About four years ago, they discussed options for networking and, with the blessing of the European and Russian space agencies, it could be a good idea to take action. a great place, unless, of course, that they change tactics and opt for the other site in the running: Mawrth Vallis, which lies just north of Oxia, reports the BBC . "Data-reactid =" 16 "> The ExoMars rover from Europe and Russia has seen its destination on the red planet. The robot explorer will almost certainly land on Oxia Planum – a site rich in iron-magnesium clays located near the equator – said scientists from the working group on the selection of landing sites ( LSSWG) of Leicester, UK. They have been discussing options for making contact for about four years and, with the blessing of the European and Russian space agencies, this could be the place. Unless, of course, that they change tactics and opt for the other site in dispute: Mawrth Vallis, which lies just north of Oxia, reports BBC .

The ESA knows it too well, landing on Mars is the hard part. In 2016, the space agency saw the lander EXOMARS Schiaparelli hit the crust of the red planet at over 300 km / h. This static module has been designed to demonstrate and test the rover landing system. This is why Oxia (a site that minimizes the risks of landing) is a surefire bet. "Abundant clays" in its surface materials also suggest that water once flowed there. Equipped with a drill that can sound up to 2 meters deep, the rover will inspect the Oxia sediments for signs of life.

Despite the loss of its undercarriage, the ExoMars mission completed its first stage by placing a satellite for tracking gas and communication in the satellite. Mars will be in orbit in 2016. If all goes as planned, his droid will land on the red planet in 2020. The ESA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos will announce their destination a year ago.

BBC