More about Aurora
More about Aurora
Aurora is the European Space Agency's long-term programme of robotic and human exploration of the Solar System. It will run in parallel with the established science programme that currently conducts deep-space exploration and astronomical-observation missions.
ESA began Aurora after a call for ideas generated replies from several hundred academic groups from across Europe. They were all eager to voice their 'vision' of Europe's future in space exploration. Overwhelmingly, most scientists want to see the current round of robotic exploration lead to human exploration of the hospitable areas of our Solar System.
Aurora's priorities are to search for life elsewhere in our Solar System, to understand the origin of the Solar System, and to study near-Earth objects. The programme will concentrate on Mars, the Moon, and near-Earth objects. There will probably be two types of mission. Some will be large and focused on testing techniques that enhance the overall European capability to send human beings to other worlds. Others will be smaller, quicker projects that will answer specific scientific or technological questions.