Science and Exploration

Video: Launching ExoMars 2016 To Mars

By Keith Cowing
Press Release
February 17, 2016
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Video: Launching ExoMars 2016 To Mars
ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter
ESA

This animation visualises milestones during the launch of the ExoMars 2016 mission and its cruise to Mars.
The mission comprises the Trace Gas Orbiter and an entry, descent and landing demonstrator module, Schiaparelli, which are scheduled to be launched on a four-stage Proton-M/Breeze-M rocket from Baikonur during the 14-25 March 2016 window. About ten-and-a-half hours after launch, the spacecraft will separate from the rocket and deploy its solar wings. Two weeks later, its high-gain antenna will be deployed.

After a seven-month cruise to Mars, Schiaparelli will separate from TGO on 16 October. Three days later it will enter the martian atmosphere, while TGO begins its entry into Mars orbit.

SpaceRef co-founder, Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA, Away Teams, Journalist, Space & Astrobiology, Lapsed climber.