En route for ‘Mars’   A visualisation of Mars, created from spacecraft imagery. ESA's first mission to the Red Planet is Mars Express, planned for launch in June 2003. It comprises an orbiter carrying seven scientific instruments to probe the planet's atmosphere, structure and geology, including a search for evidence of hidden water. The main spacecraft will also release the UK's small Beagle 2 lander to gather and test rock and soil samples on the surface. As well as its science objectives, Mars Express will also provide relay communication services between the Earth and landers deployed on the surface by other nations, thus forming a centrepiece of the international effort in Mars exploration. Mars Express is ESA's first 'Flexible' (F-class) mission. It is a pilot project for new methods of funding and managing ESA space missions, built more quickly and launched at a much lower cost than any previous mission of a similar nature. Wednesday 4 July 2001     Vladimir Pletser poses with stuffed animals in Resolute Bay, Canada Thursday 5 July 2001     Resolute Bay, Canada, taken from the plane Friday 6 July 2001     Vladmir Pletser in front of parabolic antennas in Resolute Bay, Canada Saturday 7 July 2001     Dr. Robert Zubrin, Kathy Quinn, and Vladimir Pletser in Resolute prior to arriving on Devon Island. Dr Charlie Cockell, Dr Stephen Braham and Dr William Clancey were also part of the team that stayed together in the Habitat in July 2001 photo: Mars Society   A view of Resolute, Canada. Photo: Mars Society Last update: 29 September 2004