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Mars Express — how to be fastest to the Red Planet

30 May 2003

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Mars Express leaves Earth for Mars on 2 June 2003 when the positions of the two planets make for the shortest possible route, a condition that occurs once every twenty-six months. The intrepid spacecraft will start its six-month journey from the Baikonur launch pad in Kazakhstan onboard a Russian Soyuz/Fregat launcher.

Credits: ESA-D. DUCROS

Launch

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28 May. The Soyuz/Fregat launcher, with its passenger Mars Express, is moved into the upright position on the launch pad in Baikonur.

Europe's first mission to the Red Planet Earth sets off on 2 June 2003 when the positions of the two planets make for the shortest possible route, a condition that occurs once every twenty-six months. The intrepid spacecraft will start its six-month journey from the Baikonur launch pad in Kazakhstan onboard a Russian Soyuz/Fregat launcher.

Credits: ESA/STARSEM-S.Corvaja

After the launch

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Beagle 2 is travelling to Mars on ESA's Mars Express, launched in June 2003. Beagle 2, a UK-led project, will look for chmecial traces of life on Mars. On the Martian surface, the lander will open up to expose five solar panels and let the instruments on the robot arm get to work. (Photo: all rights reserved Beagle 2)

Credits: All Rights Reserved Beagle 2

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The Mars Express orbiter.

Credits: ESA

Mars Express launch page

Mars Express – ESA sets ambitious goals for the first European mission to Mars ESA's Mars Express ready for launch Mars Express leaves for Baikonur