The British scientists building the lander they hope will explore the surface of Mars have vowed to have their robotic probe ready for launch, amid concerns over the project鈥檚 financial status.
The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to launch Mars Express, Europe鈥檚 first ever mission to the red planet, in June 2003. This will carry the lander, called Beagle 2, as well as an array of analytical instruments that will be deployed in orbit around Mars.
David Southwood, ESA鈥檚 director of science, voiced concern over the current state of the 50 million Euro Beagle 2 in Toulouse, France, on Wednesday: 鈥淭he primary responsibility for Beagle 2 is with the British government and in recent weeks I believe they have had to find more money.鈥�
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Mars Express could not be delayed and would, if necessary, leave without Beagle 2, he added: 鈥淚f they don鈥檛 meet our requirements, they won鈥檛 fly.鈥�
Ready to go
But head of the Beagle 2 project, Colin Pillinger of the UK鈥檚 Open University, promises the probe will be ready to go.
鈥淲e will deliver Beagle 2 to the launch tower within the program that we already have,鈥� Pillinger told 快猫短视频. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 think we are going to let this chance to go to Mars pass.鈥�
June 2003 will provide the best opportunity to reach Mars for 17 years, due to the proximity of Earth and Mars at that time. Beagle 2 must be delivered to the Mars Express launch site in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, by January 2003 in order to make the trip.
Air bags
Pillinger said he could not discuss the matter of funding because some of the money for the project comes from private investors. But he said that the mission is going according to plan.
He added: 鈥淭here isn鈥檛 a space mission on the planet that hasn鈥檛 at some stage of its gestation had to overcome problems.鈥�
Beagle 2 will detach from Mars Express and parachute down to the planet鈥檚 surface. A set of giant air bags will cushion its landing.
The lander then will use a robot arm fitted with seven instruments to analyse the planet鈥檚 surface near the landing site for signs of water and past or present life.
Beagle 2 will be kitted out with stereoscopic cameras, dust and temperature sensors and a device to burrow into the planet鈥檚 surface. Preparing the lander has involved sterilising it to make sure no microbes are accidentally carried to the landing site and contaminate the alien soil.