Aberystwyth University researchers at centre of mission to find life on Mars
The mission will explore the soil on the planet using kit being made by Aberystwyth students
Aberystwyth University researchers contribute to mission to search for life on Mars
Researchers at Aberystwyth University are helping develop technology for a European space mission that aims to search for signs of past life on Mars.
The university’s physics and computer science departments are contributing to the European Space Agency’s Rosalind Franklin rover, which is scheduled to launch in 2028 and land on Mars in 2030.
The rover will investigate the planet’s surface and underground environment, using a two-metre drill to search for evidence that Mars may once have supported life.
Harry Marsh, a PhD student and postgraduate researcher at Aberystwyth University, said: “It’s incredible to be part of something that’s actually going to fly and land and operate on another body where, you know, as scientists, we can’t go ourselves.”
Researchers at Aberystwyth are developing an instrument with support from other institutions and contributing software for PanCam and Enfys, two key instruments on the rover.
The university also has a vacuum chamber where equipment can be tested under extreme temperatures and low pressure before being sent into space.
Marsh said the university was working with Welsh companies to develop parts of the technology.
“Aberystwyth should continue to be one of the top places in Wales for doing space physics or space research,” he said.
The work highlights the role of Welsh research and industry in international space exploration, with the mission expected to launch in 2028.