ESA Science & Technology - The Mars Express Mission Concept

Publication date: 02 July 1998

Authors: Schmidt, R., et al.

Journal: ESA Bulletin
Volume: 95
Year: 1998

Copyright: ESA

Mars Express, planned to be the first 'flexible mission' in the revised ESA Long-Term Scientific Programme, is based on a fast implementation scenario and will be launched towards Mars in June 2003 by a Soyuz/Fregat launcher. The mission is cost-capped at 150 MECU and will be submitted for approval by ESA's Science Programme Committee in November 1998. Its payload has already been selected and European industry will submit bids for design and development phases (Phases-B/C and D) at the beginning of September 1998.