ESA - Robotic Exploration of Mars - ExoMars 2016 spacecraft composite in acoustic test chamber

The ExoMars 2016 spacecraft composite, composed of the Trace Gas Orbiter with the Schiaparelli demonstrator module (on top), pictured before the acoustic noise tests at the Thales Alenia Space premises in Cannes, France.

These tests are part of the mechanical qualification campaign, a series that also includes sine vibration and shock tests. They are carried out after the assembly and integration phase to qualify the spacecraft design by demonstrating that it will be able to withstand the rigours of the mechanical environment it will experience during launch.

The Trace Gas Orbiter and Schiaparelli will be launched on a Proton rocket from Baikonur in Kazakhstan.