ESA title

The mission

Since beginning science operations in 2004, Mars Express has provided breathtaking views of Mars in three dimensions. It has provided the most complete map of the chemical composition of the atmosphere, studied Mars’s innermost moon Phobos in unprecedented detail, and traced the history of water across the globe, demonstrating that Mars once harboured environmental conditions that may have been suitable for life.

 

  • Launch date: 2 June 2003
  • Arrival at Mars: December 2003
  • Status: In operation
  • Targets: Mars' atmosphere, surface and subsurface; Mars' moons Phobos and Deimos
Mars Express

Latest

Bird’s-eye view: the butterflies and dark layers of Idaeus Fossae
Science & Exploration

A martian butterfly flaps its wings

03/12/2025 6321 views 56 likes
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The patterns of Coloe Fossae: What a martian ice age left behind
Science & Exploration

What a martian ice age left behind

12/11/2025 3969 views 74 likes
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Mars Express sees a dust devil dancing across Mars
Science & Exploration

Dancing dust devils trace raging winds on Mars

08/10/2025 8364 views 59 likes
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ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter observes comet 3I/ATLAS – GIF
Science & Exploration

ESA’s ExoMars and Mars Express observe comet 3I/ATLAS

07/10/2025 615637 views 814 likes
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Mars Express views Acheron Fossae’s western fringes
Science & Exploration

When martian ground falls apart

06/08/2025 3798 views 69 likes
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More items

  • Science & Exploration

    Ius and Tithonium Chasmata on Mars

    20/07/2022 5435 views 82 likes
    Open item
  • Science & Exploration

    Aonia Terra on Mars

    02/06/2022 1894 views 34 likes
    Open item
  • Science & Exploration

    Tantalus Fossae on Mars

    28/04/2022 3358 views 23 likes
    Open item
  • Science & Exploration

    Utopia Planitia on Mars

    30/03/2022 6310 views 97 likes
    Open item
    Utopia Planitia on Mars
  • Science & Exploration

    The Medusae Fossae formation

    23/02/2022 2306 views 45 likes
    Open item
    The Medusae Fossae formation

Mars Express overview