ESA · Space

European Mars Rover Prototype Tested in Spanish Desert

A prototype of the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover, Charlie, underwent an eight-day field test in Spain's Tabernas desert to simulate operations for its 2030 Mars landing. The exercise involved a remote science team and tested navigation and scientific exploration.

Around 100 scientists and engineers participated, choreographing the rover's movements and strategies in a Mars-like landscape to stress-test decision-making.

Charlie used the same guidance, navigation, and control software as the Rosalind Franklin rover. A science team in Turin, Italy, used rover data to identify potential locations for signs of life.

The rover demonstrated autonomous navigation, traveling over 60 meters with minimal error. Success relied on coordination between control and field teams, involving constant planning and interpretation.

The simulation presented challenges, such as gauging slope steepness from rover data. Unexpected weather also interrupted tests, highlighting the need for adaptability.

Scientists at the Rover Operations Control Centre (ROCC) worked continuously to process daily data and prepare for subsequent operations, mirroring the real mission's time constraints.

The prototype used instruments simulating Rosalind Franklin's suite, including cameras, a spectrometer, and ground-penetrating radar, to detect ancient microbial activity.

This field trial is a vital step for the mission. A subsequent test in 2027 will incorporate orbital data to further enhance realism.

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