Mars Express

Launch Date: June 2003
Arrival Date: December 2003
Mass: 1,042 kilograms (2,297 pounds)
Science instruments on board: High/Super Resolution Stereo Color Imager, Geochemical Lander, Radio Science, Energetic Neutral Atoms Analyzer, Subsurface Sounding Radar/Altimeter, Planetary Fourier Spectrometer, Infrared Mineralogical Mapping Spectrometer, Ultraviolet and Infrared Atmospheric Spectrometer

Mars Express, is coordinated by the European Space Agency, the Italian Space Agency and NASA. The spacecraft will explore the atmosphere and surface of Mars from polar orbit. Mars Express will be carrying a small lander as well.

The mission's main objective is to search for sub-surface water from orbit and deliver a lander to the Martian surface. The scientific instruments onboard the orbiting spacecraft will study the Martian atmosphere, the planet's structure and geology.

The lander is called Beagle 2. This is named after the ship in which Charles Darwin set sail to explore unchartered areas of the Earth in 1831. After coming to rest on the surface, Beagle 2 will perform exobiology and geochemistry research.