This image may not be used to state or imply ESA endorsement of any company or product Mars Sample Return orbiter. Computer artwork of the European Sp
This image may not be used to state or imply ESA endorsement of any company or product Mars Sample Return orbiter. Computer artwork of the European Space Agency's proposed Mars Sample Return orbiter in orbit around Mars. This mission, slated for launch in 2011, will bring back a sample of soil from Mars. The mission will have 2 stages: first the orbiter, which will carry the return capsule, will be launched and put into orbit, then, 2 years after the first launch, a second spacecraft carrying the descent and ascent modules will be launched. After the descent module has landed on the Martian surface it will collect a soil sample from a depth of to 2 metres and seal it inside a canister on the ascent vehicle. The ascent vehicle will leave Mars and dock with the orbiter, which will then return the sample to Earth.
Size: 5534px × 4427px
Photo credit: © EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: agency, artwork, astronomical, astronomy, computer, craft, european, exploration, illustration, mars, mission, msr, orbit, orbiter, orbitier, orbiting, planet, planetary, research, return, sample, satellite, science, space, spacecraft, technological, technology
