Europe Successfully Tests Largest Mars Parachute in Arctic Stratosphere

In a significant advancement for space exploration, the European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully conducted a drop test of the largest parachute designed for Mars missions above the Arctic stratosphere. This test, which took place at Sweden’s Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, is a crucial step for the delayed ExoMars mission, specifically for the landing of the Rosalind Franklin rover on the Martian surface, scheduled for 2028.

The parachute system consists of a two-stage mechanism, featuring a first-stage chute measuring 50 feet (15 meters) and a secondary chute that spans an impressive 118 feet (35 meters), making it the largest parachute ever engineered for Mars. According to Luca Ferracina, ESA’s ExoMars Entry Descent and Landing Module system engineer, “We are happy to confirm that we have a parachute design that can work on Mars—an ambitious system with the largest parachute ever to be flown outside Earth.” This development follows a series of challenges, including test failures and the suspension of the mission after international collaborations were impacted by geopolitical tensions, specifically the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

The drop test involved a mock lander that descended from an altitude of 18.6 miles (30 kilometers), simulating the conditions the parachute will face during the actual Mars landing. The parachute opened 20 seconds into the descent, replicating the forces experienced in Mars’ thin atmosphere, which has only about 1% of Earth’s density. Ferracina noted, “The combination of velocity and low atmospheric density in this test is exactly the same as what the parachutes will experience on Mars.” During the descent, the mock-up capsule achieved speeds of approximately 13,050 mph (21,000 km/h) before the first parachute deployed, successfully slowing the craft to a manageable speed for landing.

Despite the success of the parachute test, the ExoMars mission has faced delays. Originally set for launch in 2022, the mission was postponed due to ongoing geopolitical issues and funding uncertainties from NASA. The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has, however, indicated potential support for the mission, countering earlier budget cuts proposed under the Trump administration that threatened the mission’s funding.

ESA has recently signed a $194 million contract with Airbus to develop a new landing platform, further indicating a commitment to advancing the ExoMars project. The collaboration aims to establish a robust framework for Europe to continue its exploration of Mars, which includes the search for signs of past life on the Red Planet. The successful parachute test offers hope for the future of the mission, highlighting Europe’s dedication to space exploration despite external challenges.

As the ExoMars mission progresses towards its 2028 launch, the successful parachute test marks a pivotal moment in preparing for the complexities of landing on Mars. The implications of this mission extend beyond technological advancements, representing a collaborative effort in international space exploration, with potential benefits for scientific research and our understanding of Mars.

With continued support and successful testing, ESA is optimistic about the future of the ExoMars mission and its contributions to the global quest for knowledge about life beyond Earth.