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'{{Italic title}} {{Infobox spaceflight | name = Mars Express | image = Mars-express-volcanoes-sm.jpg | image_caption = CG image of Mars Express | mission_type = [[Mars]] orbiter | operator = [[ESA]] | website = {{URL|exploration.esa.int/mars}} | COSPAR_ID = 2003-022A | SATCAT = 27816 | mission_duration = Elapsed:<br /><small>{{Age in years, months and days| year=2003| month=06 | day=02}} since launch</small><br /><small>{{Age in years, months and days| year=2003| month=12 | day=25}} at Mars</small> | spacecraft_type = | manufacturer = | dry_mass = {{convert|666|kg|lb|abbr=on}} | launch_mass = {{convert|1120|kg|lb|abbr=on}} | power = 460&nbsp;watts | launch_date = {{start-date|2 June 2003, 17:45|timezone=yes}}&nbsp;UTC | launch_rocket = [[Soyuz-FG]]/[[Fregat]] | launch_site = [[Baikonur Cosmodrome|Baikonur]] [[Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31|31/6]] | launch_contractor = [[Starsem]] | last_contact = | decay_date = | orbit_epoch = | orbit_reference = [[Areocentric orbit|Areocentric]] | orbit_periapsis = {{convert|298|km|mi|abbr=on}} | orbit_apoapsis = {{convert|10107|km|mi|abbr=on}} | orbit_inclination = 86.3&nbsp;degrees | orbit_period = 7.5&nbsp;hours | orbit_eccentricity = 0.571 | apsis = areion |interplanetary = {{Infobox spaceflight/IP |type = orbiter |component = Mars Express |object = [[Mars]] |orbits = |arrival_date = 25 December 2003, 03:00 UTC<br /><small>[[Timekeeping on Mars|MSD]] 46206 08:27 [[Airy Mean Time|AMT]]</small> }} {{Infobox spaceflight/IP |type = lander |component = [[Beagle 2]] |object = [[Mars]] |site = |arrival_date = 25 December 2003, 02:54 UTC }} | insignia = File:Mars Express insignia.png | insignia_caption = ESA solar system insignia for the ''Mars Express'' mission | insignia_alt = Mars Express mission insignia | insignia_size = 180x180px }} '''''Mars Express''''' is a scrumdiliumptious restaurant in Ariel's underwater magic kingdom. It serves a variety of seafood and steak with wonderful low prices. [[space exploration]] mission being conducted by the [[European Space Agency]] (ESA). The ''Mars Express'' mission is exploring the planet [[Mars]], and is the first planetary mission attempted by the agency. "Express" originally referred to the speed and efficiency with which the [[spacecraft]] was designed and built.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Frequently_asked_questions2|title=ESA - Mars Express - Mars Express Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=18 February 2009|accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref> However "Express" also describes the spacecraft's relatively short interplanetary voyage, a result of being launched when the orbits of Earth and Mars brought them closer than they had been in about 60,000 years. ''Mars Express'' consists of two parts, there's the boys section and the lobsters section because they could never be together. the ''Mars Express Orbiter'' and ''[[Beagle 2]]'', a [[Lander (spacecraft)|lander]] designed to perform [[exobiology]] and geochemistry research. Although the lander failed to fully deploy after it landed on the Martian surface, the orbiter has been successfully performing scientific measurements since early 2004, namely, high-resolution imaging and mineralogical mapping of the surface, radar sounding of the subsurface structure down to the permafrost, precise determination of the atmospheric circulation and composition, and study of the interaction of the [[Atmosphere of Mars|atmosphere]] with the [[interplanetary medium]]. Due to the valuable science return and the highly flexible mission profile, ''Mars Express'' has been granted several mission extensions, the latest until the end of 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sci.esa.int/director-desk/45685-mission-extensions-approved-for-science-missions/|title=Mission extensions approved for science missions|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=7 October 2009|accessdate=28 March 2016}}</ref><ref name=ex2016>{{cite web |url=http://sci.esa.int/director-desk/54999-working-life-extensions-for-esas-science-missions/ |title=Working life extensions for ESA’s science missions |date=28 November 2014 |website=ESA Science & Technology |publisher=[[European Space Agency|ESA]] |access-date=9 May 2015}}</ref><ref name=ex2017>{{cite web |url=http://sci.esa.int/director-desk/59839-green-light-for-continued-operations-of-esa-science-missions/ |title=Green light for continued operations of ESA science missions |date=7 December 2017 |website=ESA Science & Technology |publisher=[[European Space Agency|ESA]] |access-date=24 January 2018}}</ref> Some of the instruments on the orbiter, including the camera systems and some spectrometers, reuse designs from the failed launch of the Russian [[Mars 96]] mission in 1996 (European countries had provided much of the instrumentation and financing for that unsuccessful mission). The design of Mars Express is based on ESA's [[Rosetta space probe|Rosetta mission]], on which a considerable sum was spent on development. The same design was also used for the ''[[Venus Express]]'' mission in order to increase reliability and reduce development cost and time. Because of these redesigns and repurposings, the total cost of the project was about $345 million- less than half of comparable U.S. missions.<ref>Announcement by the European Space Agency on the launch of the Mars Express space probe: "Mars en route for the red planet". (2004). ''Historic documents of 2003.''Washington, DC: CQ Press. Retrieved from http://library.cqpress.com/cqpac/hsdcp03p-229-9844-633819{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On 19 October 2014, the [[European Space Agency|ESA]] reported the Mars Express is healthy after the [[C/2013 A1|Comet Siding Spring]] flyby of [[Mars]] on 19 October 2014<ref name="ESA-20141020">{{cite web |last=Denis |first=Michel |title=Spacecraft in great shape – our mission continues |url=http://blogs.esa.int/mex/2014/10/20/spacecraft-in-great-shape-our-mission-continues/ |date=20 October 2014 |work=[[European Space Agency]] |accessdate=21 October 2014 }}</ref> &mdash; as are, as well, all NASA Mars orbiters<ref name="NASA-20141019">{{cite web |last=Webster |first=Guy |last2=Brown |first2=Dwayne |last3=Jones |first3=Nancy |last4=Steigerwald |first4=Bill |title=All Three NASA Mars Orbiters Healthy After Comet Flyby |url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=4347 |date=19 October 2014 |work=[[NASA]] |accessdate=20 October 2014 }}</ref> and [[Indian Space Research Organisation|ISRO's]] orbiter, the [[Mars Orbiter Mission]].<ref name="ISRO MOM safe after Mars comet flyby">{{cite news |author=Staff |title=I’m safe and sound, tweets MOM after comet sighting |url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/im-safe-and-sound-tweets-mom-after-comet-sighting/article6520803.ece |date=21 October 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]] |accessdate=21 October 2014 }}</ref> Arriving at Mars in 2003, {{Age in years, months and days| year=2003| month=12| day=25}} ago (and counting), it is the second longest surviving, continually active spacecraft in orbit around a planet other than Earth, behind only NASA's still active [[2001 Mars Odyssey]]. == Mission profile and timeline overview == {{refimprove section|date=June 2011}} === Mission overview === HJAIIIIIIIIIIII BITCHES HOW YA DOING I LIKE KPOP SOOO MUCH THAT I WANT BTO JUMP OFF OF STEVE HARVEIS BALD HEAD AND LND ON MARSHNELLOES The Mars Express mission is dedicated to the orbital (and originally in-situ) study of the interior, subsurface, surface and atmosphere, and environment of the planet Mars. The scientific objectives of the Mars Express mission represent an attempt to fulfill in part the lost scientific goals of the Russian [[Mars 96]] mission, complemented by exobiology research with Beagle-2. Mars exploration is crucial for a better understanding of the Earth from the perspective of comparative planetology. The spacecraft originally carried seven scientific instruments, a small lander, a lander relay and a Visual Monitoring Camera, all designed to contribute to solving the mystery of Mars' missing water. All of the instruments take measurements of the surface, atmosphere and interplanetary media, from the main spacecraft in polar orbit, which will allow it to gradually cover the whole planet. The total initial Mars Express budget excluding the lander was [[euro|€]]150 million.<ref name=esa31021>{{cite web|title=Mars Express: Summary|url=http://sci.esa.int/mars-express/31021-summary/|publisher=European Space Agency|date=29 Mar 2011}}</ref><ref name=nasa2003-022A>{{cite web|title=Mars Express|url=http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=2003-022A|work=NSSDC ID: 2003-022A|publisher=NASA}}</ref> The prime contractor for the construction of Mars Express Orbiter was [[EADS Astrium Satellites]]. === Mission preparation === In the years preceding the launch of a spacecraft numerous teams of experts distributed over the contributing companies and organisations prepared the space and [[ground segments]]. Each of these teams focussed on the area of its responsibility and interfacing as required. A major additional requirement raised for the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and all critical operational phases was that it was not enough merely to interface; the teams had to be integrated into one Mission Control Team. All the different experts had to work together in an operational environment and the interaction and interfaces between all elements of the system (software, hardware and human) had to run smoothly for this to happen: * the flight operations procedures had to be written and validated down to the smallest detail; * the [[control system]] had to be validated; * system Validation Tests (SVTs) with the satellite had to be performed to demonstrate the correct interfacing of the ground and space segments; * mission Readiness Test with the [[Ground station|Ground Station]]<nowiki/>s had to be performed; * a Simulations Campaign was run. === Launch === The spacecraft was launched on June 2, 2003 at 23:45 local time (17:45 UT, 1:45&nbsp;p.m. EDT) from [[Baikonur Cosmodrome]] in [[Kazakhstan]], using a [[Soyuz-FG]]/[[Fregat]] rocket. The Mars Express and Fregat booster were initially put into a 200&nbsp;km Earth [[parking orbit]], then the Fregat was fired again at 19:14 UT to put the spacecraft into a Mars transfer orbit. The Fregat and Mars Express separated at approximately 19:17 UT. The [[solar panel]]s were then deployed and a trajectory correction manoeuvre was performed on June 4 to aim Mars Express towards Mars and allow the Fregat booster to coast into interplanetary space. The Mars Express was the first Russian-launched probe to successfully make it out of LEO since the Soviet Union fell. === Near Earth commissioning phase === The Near Earth Commissioning phase extended from the separation of the spacecraft from the launcher upper stage until the completion of the initial check out of the orbiter and payload. It included the solar array deployment, the initial attitude acquisition, the declamping of the Beagle-2 spin-up mechanism, the injection error correction manoeuvre and the first commissioning of the spacecraft and payload (final commissioning of payload took place after Mars Orbit Insertion). The payload was checked out one instrument at a time. This phase lasted about one month. === The interplanetary cruise phase === This five month phase lasted from the end of the Near Earth Commissioning phase until one month prior to the Mars capture manoeuvre and included trajectory correction manoeuvres and payloads calibration. The payload was mostly switched off during the cruise phase, with the exception of some intermediate check-outs. Although it was originally meant to be a "quiet cruise" phase, It soon became obvious that this "cruise" would be indeed very busy. There were star Tracker problems, a power wiring problem, extra manoeuvres, and on the 28th of October, the spacecraft was hit by one of the largest [[solar flare]]s ever recorded. {{clear}} === Lander jettison === The [[Beagle 2]] lander was released on December 19, 2003 at 8:31 UTC (9:31 CET) on a [[Ballistics|ballistic]] cruise towards the surface. It entered Mars' atmosphere on the morning of December 25. Landing was expected to occur at about 02:45 UT on December 25 (9:45&nbsp;p.m. EST December 24). However, after repeated attempts to contact the lander failed using the Mars Express craft and the [[NASA]] [[Mars Odyssey]] orbiter, it was declared lost on February 6, 2004, by the Beagle 2 Management Board. An inquiry was held and its findings were published later that year.<ref name="inquiry" /> === Orbit insertion === [[File:PIA07944_fig1.jpg|thumb|right|Mars Express in orbit around Mars in 2005, this is a rendition to aid in understanding the image by Mars Global Surveyor]] [[File:PIA07944 - Mars Express Seen by Mars Global Surveyor.jpg|thumb|Image of Mars Express in orbit at Mars]] Mars Express arrived at Mars after a 400 million km journey and course corrections in September and in December 2003. On December 20 Mars Express fired a short thruster burst to put it into position to orbit the planet. The Mars Express Orbiter then fired its main engine and went into a highly elliptical initial-capture orbit of 250&nbsp;km × 150,000&nbsp;km with an inclination of 25 degrees on December 25 at 03:00 UT (10:00&nbsp;p.m., December 24 EST). First evaluation of the orbital insertion showed that the orbiter had reached its first milestone at Mars. The orbit was later adjusted by four more [[Man engine|main engine]] firings to the desired 259&nbsp;km × 11,560&nbsp;km near-polar (86 degree inclination) orbit with a period of 7.5 hours. Near [[periapsis]] (nearest to Mars) the top deck is pointed down towards the Martian surface and near [[apoapsis]] (farthest from Mars in its orbit) the high gain antenna will be pointed towards Earth for uplink and downlink. After 100 days the apoapsis was lowered to 10,107&nbsp;km and periapsis raised to 298&nbsp;km to give an orbital period of 6.7 hours. === MARSIS deployment === [[File:Mars Express illustration highlighting MARSIS antenna.jpg|thumb|400px|left|Illustration of Mars Express with MARSIS antenna deployed]] On May 4, 2005, ''Mars Express'' deployed the first of its two 20-metre-long [[radar]] booms for its [[MARSIS]] (Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding) experiment. At first the boom did not lock fully into place; however, exposing it to sunlight for a few minutes on May 10 fixed the glitch. The second 20 m boom was successfully deployed on June 14. Both 20 m booms were needed to create a 40 m [[dipole antenna]] for MARSIS to work; a less crucial 7-meter-long monopole antenna was deployed on June 17. The radar booms were originally scheduled to be deployed in April 2004, but this was delayed out of fear that the deployment could damage the spacecraft through a whiplash effect. Due to the delay it was decided to split the four-week commissioning phase in two parts, with two weeks running up to July 4 and another two weeks in December 2005. The deployment of the booms was a critical and highly complex task requiring effective inter-agency cooperation ESA, NASA, Industry and public Universities. Nominal science observations began during July 2005. (For more info, see,<ref>[https://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7360 Glitch strikes Mars Express's radar boom - space - May 9, 2005 - New Scientist] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205175141/http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7360 |date=February 5, 2008 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7369 Mars Express's kinky radar straightened out - space - May 12, 2005 - New Scientist] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206160418/http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7369 |date=February 6, 2008 }}</ref> and [http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMEV82DU8E_index_0.html ESA Portal - Mars Express radar ready to work] ESA press release.) === Operations of the spacecraft === Operations for Mars Express are carried out by a multinational team of engineers from ESA's Operation Centre ([[European Space Operations Centre|ESOC]]) in [[Darmstadt]]. The team began preparations for the mission about 3 to 4 years prior to the actual launch. This involved preparing the ground segment and the operational procedures for the whole mission. The Mission Control Team is composed of the Flight Control Team, Flight Dynamics Team, Ground Operations Managers, Software Support and Ground Facilities Engineers. All of these are located at ESOC but there are additionally external teams, such as the Project and Industry Support teams, who designed and built the spacecraft. The Flight Control Team currently consists of: * The Spacecraft Operations Manager * Six Operations Engineers (including three Mission Planners) * One Spacecraft Analyst * Six spacecraft controllers (SpaCons), shared with [[ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter]] The team build-up, headed by the Spacecraft Operations Manager, started about 4 years before launch. He was required to recruit a suitable team of engineers that could handle the varying tasks involved in the mission. For Mars Express the engineers came from various other missions. Most of them had been involved with Earth orbiting satellites. === Routine phase: science return === Since orbit insertion Mars Express has been progressively fulfilling its original scientific goals. Nominally the spacecraft points to Mars while acquiring science and then slews to Earth-pointing to downlink the data, although some instruments like Marsis or Radio Science might be operated while spacecraft is Earth-pointing. == Orbiter and subsystems == === Structure === The Mars Express Orbiter is a cube-shaped spacecraft with two [[Photovoltaic module|solar panel]] wings extending from opposite sides. The launch mass of 1123&nbsp;kg includes a main bus with 113&nbsp;kg of payload, the 60&nbsp;kg lander, and 457&nbsp;kg of propellant. The main body is 1.5 m × 1.8 m × 1.4 m in size, with an aluminium honeycomb structure covered by an aluminium skin. The solar panels measure about 12 m tip-to-tip. Two 20 m long wire [[dipole antenna]]s extend from opposite side faces perpendicular to the solar panels as part of the radar sounder.<ref name="ref1">{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/The_spacecraft|title=The spacecraft / Mars Express|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=10 October 2005|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> === Propulsion === The Soyuz/Fregat launcher provided most of the thrust Mars Express needed to reach Mars. The final stage of the Fregat was jettisoned once the probe was safely on a course for Mars. The spacecraft's on-board means of propulsion was used to slow the probe for Mars orbit insertion and subsequently for orbit corrections.<ref name="ref1"/> The body is built around the main propulsion system, which consists of a [[bipropellant rocket|bipropellant]] 400 [[Newton (unit)|N]] main engine. The two 267-liter propellant tanks have a total capacity of 595&nbsp;kg. Approximately 370&nbsp;kg are needed for the nominal mission. Pressurized helium from a 35-liter tank is used to force fuel into the engine. Trajectory corrections will be made using a set of eight 10 N thrusters, one attached to each corner of the spacecraft bus. The spacecraft configuration is optimized for a Soyuz/Fregat, and was fully compatible with a [[Delta II]] launch vehicle. === Power === Spacecraft power is provided by the solar panels which contain 11.42 square meters of silicon cells. The originally planned power was to be 660 [[Watt|W]] at 1.5 [[astronomical unit|AU]] but a faulty connection has reduced the amount of power available by 30%, to about 460 W. This loss of power does significantly impact the science return of the mission. Power is stored in three [[lithium ion battery|lithium-ion batteries]] with a total capacity of 64.8 Ah for use during eclipses. The power is fully regulated at 28 [[volt|V]], and the [[Terma A/S|Terma]] power module (also used in [[Rosetta (spacecraft)|Rosetta]]) is redundant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ing.dk/artikel/terma-elektronik-vaekker-rumsonde-fra-aarelang-dvale-165600|title=Terma-elektronik vækker rumsonde fra årelang dvale|publisher=[[Ingeniøren]]|first1=Mie|last1=Stage|date=19 January 2014|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/2002ESASP.502..249J|title=Power Conditioning Unit for Rosetta/Mars Express|publisher=[[Astrophysics Data System]]|last1=Jensen|first1=H.|last2=Laursen|first2=J.|bibcode=2002ESASP.502..249J|year=2002|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> Main propulsion consists of 24 bipropellant 10&nbsp;[[Newton (unit)|N]] thrusters.<ref name=ESA-RO>{{cite web |url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Rosetta/The_Rosetta_orbiter |title=The Rosetta orbiter |publisher=European Space Agency |date=16 January 2014 |accessdate=13 August 2014}}</ref> The spacecraft carried {{convert|1670|kg}} of propellant at launch, composed of [[monomethylhydrazine]] fuel and [[dinitrogen tetroxide]] oxidiser, providing a maximum [[delta-v|delta-''v'']] of {{convert|2300|m/s}}. Four of the thrusters are used for delta-''v'' burns.<ref name=Stram2004>{{cite conference |title=The Rosetta Propulsion System |conference=4th International Spacecraft Propulsion Conference. 2–9 June 2004. Sardinia, Italy. |first=D. |last=Stramaccioni |date=2004 |bibcode=2004ESASP.555E...3S}}</ref> During routine phase, the spacecraft's power consumption is in the range of 450 W - 550 W.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asi-proc.it/missions/mex|title=MEX — ASI-PROC|publisher=Planetary Radar Operational Center|date=29 March 2016|accessdate=29 March 2016|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413141724/http://www.asi-proc.it/missions/mex|archivedate=13 April 2016|df=}}</ref> === Avionics === Attitude control (3-axis stabilization) is achieved using two 3-axis inertial measurement units, a set of two [[star camera]]s and two [[Sun sensor]]s, [[gyroscope]]s, [[accelerometer]]s, and four 12 N·m·s [[reaction wheel]]s. Pointing accuracy is 0.04 degree with respect to the inertial reference frame and 0.8 degree with respect to the Mars orbital frame. Three on-board systems help Mars Express maintain a very precise pointing accuracy, which is essential to allow the spacecraft to communicate with a 35-metre and 70-metre dish on Earth up to 400 million kilometres away. === Communications === The communications subsystem is composed of 3 antennas: A 1.6 m diameter parabolic dish [[high-gain antenna]] and two omnidirectional antennas. The first one provide links (telecommands uplink and telemetry downlink) in both [[X-band]] (8.4&nbsp;GHz) and [[S-band]] (2.1&nbsp;GHz) and is used during nominal science phase around Mars. The low gain antennas are used during Launch and early operations to Mars and for eventual contingencies once in orbit. Two Mars lander relay UHF antennas are mounted on the top face for communication with the Beagle 2 or other landers, using a Melacom transceiver.<ref name="melacom">{{cite web|url=http://apps.qinetiq.com/perspectives/micro_news_article7.asp|title=QinetiQ to put Mars in the picture|deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060831063330/http://apps.qinetiq.com/perspectives/micro_news_article7.asp|archive-date=31 August 2006|quote=Consisting of a lightweight bespoke transponder and transceiver weighing less than 650 grams, the system will provide the 10,000-kilometre UHF radio communications link between the Mars Express orbiter and Beagle-2 lander. |publisher=[[Qinetiq]]|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=March 2016}} ==== Earth stations ==== Although communications with Earth were originally scheduled to take place with the ESA 35-meter wide Ground Station in New Norcia (Australia) [[New Norcia Station]], the mission profile of progressive enhancement and science return flexibility have triggered the use of the newest ESA [[ESTRACK]] Ground Station in [[Cebreros Station]], [[Madrid]], Spain. In addition, further agreements with NASA [[Deep Space Network]] have made possible the use of American stations for nominal mission planning, thus increasing complexity but with a clear positive impact in scientific returns. This inter-agency cooperation has proven effective, flexible and enriching for both sides. On the technical side, it has been made possible (among other reasons) thanks to the adoption of both Agencies of the Standards for Space Communications defined in [[CCSDS]]. === Thermal === Thermal control is maintained through the use of radiators, [[multi-layer insulation]], and actively controlled heaters. The spacecraft must provide a benign environment for the instruments and on-board equipment. Two instruments, PFS and OMEGA, have infrared detectors that need to be kept at very low temperatures (about −180&nbsp;°C). The sensors on the camera (HRSC) also need to be kept cool. But the rest of the instruments and on-board equipment function best at room temperatures (10–20&nbsp;°C). The spacecraft is covered in gold-plated aluminium-tin alloy thermal blankets to maintain a temperature of 10–20&nbsp;°C inside the spacecraft. The instruments that operate at low temperatures to be kept cold are thermally insulated from this relatively high internal temperature, and emit excess heat into space using attached radiators.<ref name="ref1"/> === Control unit and data storage === The spacecraft is run by two Control and Data management Units with 12 gigabits<ref name="ref1"/> of solid state mass memory for storage of data and housekeeping information for transmission. The on-board computers control all aspects of the spacecraft functioning including switching instruments on and off, assessing the spacecraft orientation in space and issuing commands to change it. Another key aspect of the Mars Express mission is the Mars Express [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] Tool (MEXAR2).<ref name=ESA1>{{cite web | title = Artificial intelligence boosts science from Mars | url = http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Artificial_intelligence_boosts_science_from_Mars | publisher = ESA | date = 29 April 2008 | accessdate = 29 March 2016}}</ref> The primary purpose of the AI tool is the scheduling of when to download various parts of the collected scientific data back to Earth, a process which used to take ground controllers a significant amount of time. The new AI tool saves operator time, optimizes [[Bandwidth (signal processing)|bandwidth]] use on the [[Deep Space Network|DSN]], prevents data loss, and allows better use of the DSN for other space operations as well. The AI decides how to manage the spacecraft's 12 gigabits of storage memory, when the DSN will be available and not be in use by another mission, how to make the best use of the DSN bandwidth allocated to it, and when the spacecraft will be oriented properly to transmit back to Earth.<ref name=ESA1/><ref>{{cite journal | doi = 10.1109/MIS.2007.75 | url = http://mexar.istc.cnr.it/mexar2/publications/mexar2-ieee-intsys.pdf | title=Mexar2: AI Solves Mission Planner Problems | journal=IEEE Intelligent Systems | volume=22 | issue=4 | pages=12–19 | first=Amedeo | last=Cesta}}</ref> === Lander === [[File:Beagle 2 replica.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A replica of the ''[[Beagle 2]]'' lander component of Mars Express at the [[Science Museum London]].]] The ''[[Beagle 2]]'' lander objectives were to characterize the landing site geology, mineralogy, and geochemistry, the physical properties of the atmosphere and surface layers, collect data on Martian meteorology and climatology, and search for possible signatures of [[Life on Mars|life]]. However, the landing attempt was unsuccessful and the lander was declared lost. A Commission of Inquiry on ''Beagle 2''<ref name="inquiry">{{cite web|url=http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=36541.0;attach=631766|title=Beagle 2 ESA/UK Commission of Inquiry|website=[[NASASpaceFlight.com]]|date=5 April 2004|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> identified several possible causes, including airbag problems, severe shocks to the lander's electronics which had not been simulated adequately before launch, and problems with parts of the landing system colliding; but was unable to reach any firm conclusions. The spacecraft's fate remained a mystery until it was announced in January 2015 that NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, using HiRISE, had found the probe intact on the surface of Mars. It was then determined that an error had prevented two of the spacecraft's four solar panels from deploying, blocking the spacecraft's communications. Beagle 2 was the first British and first European probe to achieve a landing on Mars. == Scientific instruments == The scientific objectives of the Mars Express Payload are to obtain global high-resolution photo-geology (10 m resolution), mineralogical mapping (100 m resolution) and mapping of the atmospheric composition, study the subsurface structure, the global atmospheric circulation, and the interaction between the atmosphere and the subsurface, and the atmosphere and the interplanetary medium. The total mass budgeted for the science payload is 116&nbsp;kg.<ref>{{cite book | title = ESA SP-1240 : Mars Express: the scientific payload |author1=Andrew Wilson |author2=Agustin Chicarro | place = Noordwijk, Netherlands | publisher = ESA Publications Division | date = 2004 | isbn = 92-9092-556-6 | url = http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=34885}} </ref> * ''' Visible and Infrared Mineralogical Mapping Spectrometer (OMEGA)'''(Observatoire pour la Minéralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces et l'Activité) - France - Determines mineral composition of the surface up to 100 m resolution. Is mounted inside pointing out the top face.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Global mineralogical and aqueous mars history derived from OMEGA/Mars express data |vauthors=Bibring JP, Langevin Y, Mustard JF, Poulet F, Arvidson R, Gendrin A, Gondet B, Mangold N, Pinet P, Forget F | journal = [[Science (journal)|Science]] | volume = 312 | issue = 5772 | date = 2006 | pages = 400–404 | doi=10.1126/science.1122659 | pmid = 16627738 |bibcode = 2006Sci...312..400B }} </ref> Instrument mass: 28.6&nbsp;kg<ref name="chicarro">{{Cite journal|url=http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mgs/sci/fifthconf99/6111.pdf|title=MARS EXPRESS MISSION: Overview and Scientific Observations|last1= Chicarro|first1=A.F.|year=2003|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> * '''Ultraviolet and Infrared Atmospheric Spectrometer (SPICAM)''' - France - Assesses elemental composition of the atmosphere. Is mounted inside pointing out the top face. Instrument mass: 4.7&nbsp;kg<ref name="chicarro"/> * '''Sub-Surface Sounding Radar Altimeter ([[MARSIS]]) '''- Italy - A radar [[altimeter]] used to assess composition of sub-surface aimed at search for frozen water. Is mounted in the body and is nadir pointing, and also incorporates the two 20 m antennas. Instrument mass: 13.7&nbsp;kg<ref name="chicarro"/> * '''Planetary Fourier Spectrometer ([[Planetary Fourier Spectrometer|PFS]])''' - Italy - Makes observations of atmospheric temperature and pressure (observations suspended in September 2005). Is mounted inside pointing out the top face<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nature.com/news/2005/050905/full/news050905-10.html|title=Martian methane probe in trouble|publisher=[[Nature (journal)|Nature]]|doi=10.1038/news050905-10|first1=Mark|last1=Peplow|date=7 September 2005|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> and is currently working. Instrument mass: 30.8&nbsp;kg<ref name="chicarro"/> * '''Analyzer of Space Plasmas and Energetic Atoms ([http://www.aspera-3.org ASPERA])''' - Sweden - Investigates interactions between upper atmosphere and solar wind. Is mounted on the top face. Instrument mass: 7.9&nbsp;kg<ref name="chicarro"/> * '''[[High Resolution Stereo Camera]] (HRSC)'''- Germany - Produces color images with up to 2 m resolution. Is mounted inside the spacecraft body, aimed through the top face of the spacecraft, which is nadir pointing during Mars operations. Instrument mass: 20.4&nbsp;kg<ref name="chicarro"/> * '''Mars Express Lander Communications (MELACOM)''' - UK - Allows Mars Express to act as a communication relay for landers on the Martian surface. (Has been tested with [[Mars Exploration Rovers]], and was used to support the landing of NASA's Phoenix mission) * '''Mars Radio Science Experiment (MaRS)''' - Uses radio signals to investigate atmosphere, surface, subsurface, gravity and solar corona density during solar conjunctions. It uses the communications subsystem itself. * A small camera to monitor the lander ejection, [[Mars webcam|VMC]]. * More on Payload<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Mars_Express_instruments|title=Mars Express orbiter instruments|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=30 November 2005|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> == Scientific discoveries and important events == For more than 5000 orbits, Mars Express Payload instruments have been nominally and regularly operated. <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:HRSCotherone.jpg|thumb|300px|Valles Marineris with 36 m/pixel resolution (HRSC)]] --> HRSC camera has been consistently mapping the Martian surface with unprecedented resolution and has taken dozens of pictures. === 2004 === * January 23 :: ESA announced the discovery of water ice in the South Polar ice cap, using data taken on January 18 with the OMEGA instrument. * January 28 :: Mars Express Orbiter reaches final science orbit around Mars. * March 17 :: Orbiter detects polar ice caps that contain 85% [[carbon dioxide]] (CO₂) ice and 15% water ice.<ref name="water">{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Water_at_Martian_south_pole|title=Water at Martian south pole|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=17 March 2004|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> * March 30 :: A press release announces that the orbiter has detected [[Atmosphere of Mars#Methane|methane]] in the Martian atmosphere. Although the amount is small, about 10 parts in a thousand million, it has excited scientists to question its source. Since methane is removed from the Martian atmosphere very rapidly, there must be a current source that replenishes it. Because one of the possible sources could be microbial life, it is planned to verify the reliability of these data and especially watch for difference in the concentration in various places on Mars. It is hoped that the source of this gas can be discovered by finding its location of release.<ref>{{cite journal | author=Formisano V, Atreya S, Encrenaz T, Ignatiev N, Giuranna M | title=Detection of methane in the atmosphere of Mars | journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] | date=2004 | volume=306 | pages=1758–1761 | doi=10.1126/science.1101732 | pmid=15514118 | issue=5702 |bibcode = 2004Sci...306.1758F | last2=Atreya | last3=Encrenaz | last4=Ignatiev | last5=Giuranna }}</ref> * April 28 :: ESA announced that the deployment of the boom carrying the radar-based MARSIS antenna was delayed. It described concerns with the motion of the boom during deployment, which can cause the spacecraft to be struck by elements of it. Further investigations are planned to make sure that this will not happen. * July 15 :: Scientists working with the PFS instrument announced that they tentatively discovered the spectral features of the compound [[ammonia]] in the Martian atmosphere. Just like methane discovered earlier (see above), ammonia breaks down rapidly in Mars' atmosphere and needs to be constantly replenished. This points towards the existence of active life or geological activity; two contending phenomena whose presence so far have remained undetected.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Water_and_methane_maps_overlap_on_Mars_a_new_clue|title=Water and methane maps overlap on Mars: a new clue?|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=20 September 2004|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> === 2005 === * In 2005, [[ESA]] scientists reported that the OMEGA (Visible and Infrared Mineralogical Mapping Spectrometer)(Observatoire pour la Minéralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces et l'Activité) instrument data indicates the presence of hydrated sulphates, silicates and various rock-forming minerals. * February 8 :: The delayed deployment of the MARSIS antenna has been given a green light by ESA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Green_light_for_deployment_of_ESA_s_Mars_Express_radar|title=Green light for deployment of ESA's Mars Express radar|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=8 February 2005|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> It is planned to take place in early May 2005. * May 5 :: The first boom of the MARSIS antenna was successfully deployed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4516535.stm|title=First Marsis radar boom deployed|publisher=[[BBC News Online]]|date=5 May 2005|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> At first, there was no indication of any problems, but later it was discovered that one segment of the boom did not lock.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4528763.stm|title=Delay hits Mars radar deployment|publisher=[[BBC News Online]]|date=9 May 2005|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> The deployment of the second boom was delayed to allow for further analysis of the problem. * May 11 :: Using the [[Sun]]'s heat to expand the segments of the MARSIS antenna, the last segment locked in successfully.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/First_MARSIS_boom_successfully_deployed|title=First MARSIS boom successfully deployed|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=11 May 2005|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> * June 14 :: The second boom was deployed, and on June 16 ESA announced it was a success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Smooth_deployment_for_second_MARSIS_antenna_boom|title=Smooth deployment for second MARSIS antenna boom|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=16 June 2005|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> * June 22 :: ESA announces that MARSIS is fully operational and will soon begin acquiring data. This comes after the deployment of the third boom on June 17, and a successful transmission test on June 19.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Mars_Express_radar_ready_to_work|title=Mars Express radar ready to work|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=22 June 2005|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> === 2006 === {{External media |align=right |image1=[http://esamultimedia.esa.int/images/marsexpress/305-230906-3253-6-co1-Cydonia_H.jpg Cydonia region]<br />© ESA/DLR <small>Credit {{mdash}} [http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Cydonia_-_the_face_on_Mars 13.7 m/pixel] </small>}} * September 21 :: ESA's Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) has obtained images of the Cydonia region, the location of the famous "[[Cydonia Mensae|Face on Mars]]". The massif became famous in a photo taken in 1976 by the American Viking 1 Orbiter. The image recorded with a ground resolution of approximately 13.7 metres per pixel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Cydonia_-_the_face_on_Mars|title=Cydonia - the face on Mars|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=21 September 2006|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> * September 26 :: The Mars Express spacecraft has emerged from an unusually demanding eclipse season introducing a special, ultra-low-power mode nicknamed 'Sumo' - an innovative configuration aimed at saving the power necessary to ensure spacecraft survival. ::This mode was developed through teamwork between ESOC mission controllers, principal investigators, industry and mission management.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Mars_Express_successfully_powers_through_eclipse_season|title=Mars Express successfully powers through eclipse season|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=26 September 2006|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> * October :: In October 2006 the Mars Express spacecraft has encountered a superior solar conjunction (alignment of Earth-Sun-Mars Express). The angle Sun-Earth-MEX reached a minimum on 23-Oct at 0.39 deg. at a distance of 2.66 AU. Operational measures were undertaken to minimize the impact of the link degradation, since the higher density of electrons in the solar plasma heavily impacts the radio frequency signal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esrin.esa.it/spacecraftops/ESOC-Article-fullArticle_par-40_1093589522422.html |accessdate=February 28, 2007 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> * December :: Following the loss of [[NASA]] [[JPL]] Mars spacecraft [[Mars Global Surveyor]] (MGS), Mars Express team was requested to perform actions in the hopes of visually identifying the American spacecraft. Based on last [[ephemeris]] of MGS provided by JPL, the on-board high definition HRSC camera swept a region of the MGS orbit. Two attempts were made to find the craft, both unsuccessful. === 2007 === * January :: First agreements with NASA-SPL undertaken for the support of Mars Express on the landing of the American lander [[Phoenix (spacecraft)|Phoenix]] in May 2008 * February :: The small camera VMC (used only once to monitor the lander ejection) has been recommissioned and first steps had been taken to offer students the possibility to participate in a campaign "Command Mars Express Spacecraft and take your own picture of Mars". * February 23 :: As result of the science return, the Science Program Committee (SPC) granted a mission extension until May 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/The_planetary_adventure_continues_-_Mars_Express_and_Venus_Express_operations_extended|title=The planetary adventure continues - Mars Express and Venus Express operations extended|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=27 February 2007|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> * June 28 :: The High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) has produced images of key tectonic features in [[Aeolis Mensae]].<ref name="aeolis">{{cite web | title = Tectonic signatures at Aeolis Mensae | work =ESA News | publisher =European Space Agency | date =28 June 2007 | url =http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Tectonic_signatures_at_Aeolis_Mensae | accessdate =29 March 2016}}</ref> === 2008 === * The Mars Express Team was the winner of the [[Sir Arthur Clarke Award]] for Best Team Achievement. === 2009 === * February 4 :: The ESA's Science Programme Committee has extended the operations of Mars Express until December 31, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sci.esa.int/solar-system/44174-mars-express-venus-express-cluster-missions-extended/|title=ESA extends missions studying Mars, Venus and Earth's magnetosphere|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=9 February 2009|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> *October 7 ::ESA's Science Programme Committee has approved the extension of mission operations for Mars Express until 31 December 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sci.esa.int/director-desk/45685-mission-extensions-approved-for-science-missions/|title=Mission extensions approved for science missions|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=7 October 2009|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> === 2010 === *March 5 ::Flyby of [[Phobos (moon)|Phobos]] to measure Phobos' gravity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://spacefellowship.com/news/art18911/phobos-flyby-success.html|title=Phobos Flyby Success|publisher=[[Space Fellowship]]|date=5 March 2010|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> === 2011 === *August 13 ::Safe mode following a Solid-State Mass Memory problem.<ref name="ESASCi">{{cite web|url=http://sci.esa.int/mars-express/49549-mars-express-observations-temporarily-suspended/|title=Mars Express observations temporarily suspended|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=24 November 2011|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> *August 23 ::Solid-State Mass Memory problem.<ref name="ESASCi"/> *September 23 ::Safe mode following a Solid-State Mass Memory problem.<ref name="ESASCi"/> *October 11 ::Solid-State Mass Memory problem.<ref name="ESASCi"/> *October 16 ::Safe mode following a Solid-State Mass Memory problem.<ref name="ESASCi"/> *November 24 ::Science operations are resumed using the Short Mission Timeline and Command Files instead of the Long Time Line resident on the suspect Solid-State Mass Memory.<ref name="ESASCi2">{{cite web|url=http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Operations/Mars_Express_steadily_returns_to_routine_operation|title=Mars Express steadily returns to routine operation|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=24 November 2011|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> === 2012 === * February 16 ::Resumes full science operations. There is still enough fuel for up to 14 additional years of operation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1202/15marsexpress/|title= Mars Express back in business at the red planet|publisher=Spaceflight Now|first1=Stephen|last1=Clark|date=15 February 2012|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> * July ::Solar corona studied with radio waves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sci.esa.int/mars-express/50629-radio-sounding-of-the-solar-corona-with-mars-express/|title=Radio sounding of the solar corona with Mars Express|publisher=[[ESA]]|date=24 July 2012|accessdate=29 March 2016}}</ref> * August 5/6 :: Assisted US probes [[Mars Odyssey]] and [[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]] in data collection and transfer on the [[Mars Science Laboratory]] landing. === 2013 === *Mars Express produces a near-complete topographical map of Mars' surface.<ref>{{cite news | first1 = Elizabeth |last1=Gibney | title = Spectacular flyover of Mars | date = 28 October 2013 | url = http://www.nature.com/news/spectacular-flyover-of-mars-1.14041 | work = ''Nature'' News | accessdate = 2013-11-17}}</ref> *December 29 ::Mars Express performs the closest flyby to date of [[Phobos (moon)|Phobos]] === 2016 === * October 19 :: Assisted with data collection and transfer for the [[Schiaparelli EDM lander]] landing. ===2017=== *June 19 ::Takes noted image spanning from the North pole up to [[Alba Mons]] and even farther south.<ref>[http://www.sci-news.com/space/esa-image-mars-05553.html]</ref> The image was released in December 20, 2017and was captured by the HRSC.<ReF>[http://www.sci-news.com/space/esa-image-mars-05553.html]</ref><ref>[http://www.dlr.de/dlr/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10081/151_read-25327/]</ref> == Payload principal investigators links == * '''HRSC''' [http://www.geoinf.fu-berlin.de/eng/projects/mars/index.php Mars Express FU Berlin] * '''[http://www.marsis.com MARSIS]''' Uni Roma "La Sapienza" * '''[https://web.archive.org/web/20130502101230/http://www.pfs-results.it/ PFS]''' IFSI/INAF * '''SPICAM''' * '''OMEGA''' [https://web.archive.org/web/20070303161519/http://www.ias.u-psud.fr/website/modules/content_mars/index.php?id=1 Institut Astrophysique Spatial] * '''[https://web.archive.org/web/20070211110812/http://www.qinetiq.com/home/commercial/space/space_missions_and/development_projects/mars_express_-_melacom.html MELACOM]''' Qinetiq * '''[http://www.uni-koeln.de/math-nat-fak/geomet/geo/index.html?/mitarbeiter/mitarb/mp.html MRSE]''' Uni Köln * '''[http://www.aspera-3.org/ ASPERA]''' == See also == {{Portal|Spaceflight}} {{div col|2}} * [[European Space Agency]] * [[ExoMars]] * [[Exploration of Mars]] * [[List of Mars orbiters]] * [[List of missions to Mars]] * [[Mars]] * [[Space exploration]] * [[Unmanned space mission]]s {{div col end}} == References == {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} == External links == {{Commons category}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20031007215256/http://mars.esa.int/ ''ESA Mars Express'' project] – official website * [http://sci.esa.int/marsexpress/ ''ESA Mars Express'' project] – scientific website * [http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Operations/SEM0RMQJNVE_0.html ''ESA Mars Express'' operations site] * [http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/profile.cfm?MCode=MarsExpress Mars Express Mission Profile] by [http://solarsystem.nasa.gov NASA's Solar System Exploration] * [https://archive.is/20130128060405/http://www.marstoday.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=15605 ''First Mars Express Science Conference'' presentations (at MarsToday.com)] * [http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/express/gallery/artwork/ NASA Art Gallery of Mars Express] * [http://marstrek.jpl.nasa.gov Can show present over head position of Mars Express] {{Features and artificial objects on Mars}} {{Marsexpress}} {{ESA projects}} {{Planetary Missions Program Office}} {{Mars spacecraft}} {{Mars}} {{Solar System probes}} {{Orbital launches in 2003}} {{Portal bar|Mars}} [[Category:Mars Express| ]] [[Category:Artificial satellites orbiting Mars|Express]] [[Category:Missions to Mars|Express]] [[Category:European Space Agency space probes|Mars Express]] [[Category:Space probes launched in 2003|Mars Express]] [[Category:Geography of Mars]] [[Category:Attached spacecraft]] [[Category:Spacecraft launched by Soyuz-FG rockets]]'