Starting with Mars Express and Beagle 2 and ending with a possible Sample Return Mission, Europe will be making a major contribution to Mars exploration over the next two decades. Europe s plans complement the new programme recently announced by NASA in the wake of last year s mission losses. The European programme looks very promising. With 40 attendees from 13 countries, it was the largest ever meeting of the group. Rather than act as a deterrent, the recent failures are opening up more opportunities for international collaboration.
Nobody can run their own Mars exploration programme.
I think the mishaps have taught us that, says Pellinen. The new programme is spread over more years than NASA s earlier plans to allow time to develop the technologies needed for the climax, a sample return mission sometime after 2010. The slower pace may also help get more people involved, says Pellinen. Plans up to 2003 are firm. Those in 2005 and 2007 are reasonably secure.