Posted on 12/29/2006 7:14:00 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Aurora is ESA's new long term programme of planetary exploration. Endorsed in 2001, the primary planetary target is Mars, and the two missions in the near-term plan are Exo-Mars, and Mars Sample Return. 'Understanding the distribution and fate of life in the Universe are among the goals and objectives of the Aurora Programme. Aurora should help to answer some key scientific questions, and also help prepare for future exploration of the Solar System, in particular human missions to Mars', said Piero Messina, of the Exploration Programme at ESA. The programme will involve a step-by-step development of capabilities. As yet the only planned and funded mission of the programme, Exo-Mars will build on the knowledge gained through Mars Express. Due for launch in 2011, it will consist of an orbiter and a Mars rover that will look for signs of past and present life on the red planet. A Mars Sample Return mission should follow shortly afterwards.
(Excerpt) Read more at spaceref.com ...
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