By Soniya:
Global space exploration is poised for a major breakthrough as SpaceX prepares to launch the Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars in 2028. The mission is part of the European-led ExoMars programme, aimed at searching for signs of past or present life on the Red Planet after years of delays.
Led by the European Space Agency, with scientific support from NASA, the rover is designed to detect biosignatures by exploring Mars’ subsurface. Its ability to drill up to two metres below the surface sets it apart, allowing access to layers that may preserve organic material protected from radiation.
The launch will use SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, underlining the growing role of private companies in deep-space missions. This public–private collaboration reflects a broader shift in how ambitious space exploration projects are conducted.
The rover is scheduled to land at Oxia Planum, a region rich in ancient clay deposits formed in the presence of water—conditions considered favourable for microbial life. By analysing subsurface samples, the mission aims to shed light on Mars’ past habitability and humanity’s enduring question: are we alone in the universe?
