ExoMars

The Aurora programme currently consists of three elements:

• Robotic science missions to Mars (the first of which is ExoMars) with the aim of a Mars sample return mission and eventually a human mission
  
  
• A core programme (2005-2010) which focuses on generic technology development for future missions
  
  
• A specific Mars robotic exploration programme preparing and enabling robotic technology for a Mars Sample Return mission

The ExoMars mission was reconfigured in 2009 as the start of a long-term collaborative programme (link opens in a new window)between ESA and NASA to explore Mars with funding now split between two missions. The first mission is an orbiter with a science payload and a short-lived lander, to be launched in 2016.  The second mission, to be launched in 2018, will consist of two rovers, the European ExoMars rover and a NASA rover. This reconfigured ExoMars programme was formally presented to ESA Council at its December 2009 meeting and the joint two-mission proposal agreed.