Thales Alenia Space, a leading space technology company, has entered into a significant agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) for the continuation of vital activities related to the ExoMars 2028 mission. The framework contract, structured into various phases, carries a substantial value of €522 million. This agreement underscores the commitment to advancing space exploration endeavors, particularly focusing on the forthcoming ExoMars mission.
Scheduled for a potential launch window between October and December 2028 from the Kennedy Space Center, the ExoMars mission aims to delve into the Martian terrain, seeking traces of past life. Central to this mission is the deployment of a European rover designed for autonomous traversal across the Martian surface. Equipped with sophisticated capabilities, the rover will excavate soil samples from depths of up to 2 meters, subsequently subjecting them to thorough analysis of their chemical, physical, and biological composition through its advanced Analytical Laboratory Drawer (ALD).
As the appointed industrial prime contractor for the ExoMars 2028 mission, Thales Alenia Space shoulders the responsibility of various critical tasks. These include the design and development of the Mars Entry, Descent, and Landing Module (EDLM), along with the integration of essential components such as the radar altimeter and the ALD onto the rover. Furthermore, Thales Alenia Space oversees crucial assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) activities, as well as the meticulous coordination of the launch campaign.
Hervé Derrey, the CEO of Thales Alenia Space, expressed enthusiasm regarding the contract, emphasizing its strategic significance. He stated, “Today’s ExoMars 2028 contract strengthens Thales Alenia Space’s position as a major leader in the field of space exploration.” Derrey also highlighted the company’s pivotal role in upcoming lunar exploration missions, indicating its involvement in projects such as the ARTEMIS II and III missions to the Moon, Orion spacecraft’s European service module, the Gateway cislunar space station, and lunar multi-purpose habitats. This underscores the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and solidifies its standing as a key player in the aerospace industry.