Mars Express + Beagle 2 images

Mars Express and Beagle 2 images

The launch date has now been set for Europe's first mission to Mars. On the 2 June 2003 at 18:45 BST, the Mars Express orbiter, together with the Beagle 2 lander, will soar above the steppes of Kazakhstan on a Soyuz-Fregat rocket. The launch window lasts until 21 June and the arrival at Mars is just before Christmas 2003.

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Mars Express Orbiter

Two pictures of the Mars Express orbiter orbiting Mars. The Swedish-led ASPERA instrument, in which MSSL is involved, is seen at a corner of the spacecraft.

Beagle 2 Lander

Simulation of Beagle 2 on the surface of Mars. The PAW, which includes Beagle 2's 'eyes' the stereo cameras, is at the end of the robotic arm.

PAW (Position Adjustable Workbench)

The Position Adjustable Workbench (Beagle 2's PAW) showing the two stereo cameras, their 'windscreen wipers' and torches. The windscreen wipers are needed to remove Martian dust. The torches are to provide a known light source for night time operations, as the Mars atmosphere has a reddish tinge due to dust.

Image Courtesy MSSL-UCL and the Beagle 2 team

Stereo Camera

One of the Beagle 2 stereo cameras. The 12 filters, inside the housing on the left, let the cameras 'see' different colours of light. These can be used to look at rock geology and also at water and dust in the atmosphere. The pair of cameras weighs just 350g.

Image Courtesy MSSL-UCL and the Beagle 2 team

Stereo Camera Image

The last picture taken by Beagle 2 on Earth. The picture was taken at the Open University before lander closure, using the 'pop-up' mirror, and unwrapped to give this rectified panorama. Structure of the lander is seen as well as the surrounding scene, and Earthlings can be seen peering at the lander.

Image Courtesy the Beagle 2 team

Mars Express - ASPERA schematic

Mars Express spacecraft showing Aspera on the same face as Beagle 2

Image Courtesy Astrium

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