ESA - Robotic Exploration of Mars - Taking ExoMars for a ride – Image gallery

The ExoMars dosing station, a part of the Sample Preparation and Distribution System (SPDS) which is designed to transport Martian soil samples collected by the drill to the instruments inside the ExoMars rover, was tested in conditions simulating Martian gravity during a parabolic flight campaign that ran from 7 to 9 June 2011. The series of photos below feature the preparations before the flight and present the experiment set-up onboard the Airbus A300 Zero-G. (Image credits: ESA – A.Pacros)

By clicking on the photos, you can access more detailed information.

Preparing the experiment

	Initial assembly of the ExoMars rover dosing station prototype

	The tests were carried out using analogue Martian samples

	Preparing the carousel that simulates the crushing station of the ExoMars rover

	Carousels used for testing the ExoMars dosing station prototype

	Placing the top carousel in the vacuum chamber

	The ExoMars dosing station prototype

	The vacuum chamber containing the ExoMars dosing station prototype

Equipment used during tests of the ExoMars dosing station prototype

Final checks before testing the ExoMars rover dosing station prototype

The experiment

	Europe's Airbus A300 Zero-G simulated the Martian gravity conditions for the ExoMars tests

	The experimental rack containing the ExoMars dosing station prototype on board Europe's Airbus A300

	Operating the ExoMars experiment in flight

	Video monitoring of the ExoMars rover dosing station prototype

	Analogue Martian samples after testing the ExoMars rover dosing station prototype

	Lunar gravity effects on the ExoMars dosing station prototype

The ExoMars experiment team onboard the Airbus

Participants of the parabolic flight tests in June 2011