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's atmosphere, surface and subsurface; Mars's moons Phobos and Deimos
10
metre imaging resolution
8
instruments
1120
kg launch mass
2
decades of operation
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Latest images
Bird’s-eye view: icy sand dunes near Thyles Rupes
Bird’s-eye view: icy sand dunes near Thyles Rupes
Map of Mars’s Thyles Rupes in context
Map of Mars’s Thyles Rupes in context
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Featured images
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Featured videos
Fly around Ares Vallis on Mars: Fly around Ares Vallis on Mars - unannotated version
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Related links
Mars Express overview
Mars Express science highlights
Mars Express has provided an unprecedented breadth and depth of information about Mars, from providing the most complete map of the chemical composition of the atmosphere, to tracing the history of water across the globe.
