Replica of one of the landing legs of the Rosalind Franklin descent module during a drop test, filmed in slow motion.

To ensure a safe touchdown on the Red Planet, European engineers have been testing how the lander performs under different landing scenarios. In this case, a model leg is dropped onto a soft surface filled with powdery, Mars-like soil.

The lightweight leg is equipped with shock absorbers to withstand the impact, and replicates the structure and dimensions of those that will fly to Mars.

These legs are crucial for the safe landing of the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover mission in 2030, alongside parachutes and engines that will slow the spacecraft’s descent onto Mars.