The European Space Agency (ESA) has elected to delay the launch of its next Mars mission, ExoMars, by two years. The decision gives ESA scientists extra time to test key technologies and to lobby for an expansion of the mission, which could almost double its cost. ExoMars is Europe’s first planned rover mission to Mars. Originally slated to launch in 2011, the mission will now blast off in 2013. The new launch date will allow ESA to spend more time refining technologies like airbags, supersonic parachutes, descent control, and stability systems. The rover’s drive systems and navigation controls are also likely to come under further scrutiny. The delay also gives mission planners time to expand the scope of the mission, something scientists have been pushing for since the mission was first mooted.
ExoMars @ ESA