The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
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Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
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The Analytical Laboratory Drawer (ALD) – the rover’s onboard laboratory where soil samples acquired with the drill will be processed and analysed – was the focus of recent testing activities at Thales Alenia Space, Turin, Italy. Seen here is the ALD qualification model entering the test chamber. This six-week long test period is part of the ALD qualification process, whereby the functionality of the thermal control system, cleanliness requirements, scientific instruments and sample processing mechanisms are verified. The test used Mars analogue samples and took place under simulated Mars environment conditions – a low pressure, carbon dioxide atmosphere and a range of temperatures covering extreme cases from -50ºC to +50ºC.