The Legacy of Rosalind Franklin
Rosalind Franklin made one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century, yet her contributions were overshadowed by her colleagues who went on to receive the Nobel Prize. Franklin’s legacy continues to inspire, and it is fitting that the European Space Agency (ESA) has named its ExoMars mission rover after her. Initially, however, it seemed that the rover would carry some of the misfortune associated with its namesake.
Delays and Challenges Ahead of Launch
The Rosalind Franklin rover has faced significant hurdles, resulting in delays that have pushed its launch date back multiple times. Fortunately, it seems that a stroke of luck is on the horizon, with new plans indicating a launch set for 2028. With still some time before the launch, there remains a great deal of work to be completed.
NASA’s Involvement
In April 2026, NASA stepped in to support ESA by announcing the Rosalind Franklin Support and Augmentation (ROSA) project. This collaboration significantly enhances the mission’s prospects, as NASA will provide essential hardware, services, and logistical support. This includes the launch service via a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, associated equipment, and the necessary internal systems for the rover.
The Unprecedented ExoMars Mission
The ExoMars mission comprises two components: the successfully launched ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), which has been studying the Martian atmosphere since 2016, and the Rosalind Franklin rover, slated for a late 2028 launch. This rover will be groundbreaking, as it possesses the capability to drill into Martian soil in its quest for evidence of past or present life beneath the surface. While NASA’s InSight mission has provided valuable data, it was limited by its stationary lander design. In contrast, the mobility of Rosalind Franklin will enable a more thorough investigation of the Martian environment.
A Series of Setbacks
The road to launching Rosalind Franklin has not been smooth. Technical difficulties, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, initially postponed the mission to 2022. Further complications arose when the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, which was supposed to provide the launch service, had its collaboration severed due to political tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As a result, not only was there a need to secure a new rocket for the mission, but technical replacements were also necessary for Russian-made instruments. Fortunately, the collaboration with NASA has revitalized hopes for the mission, overcoming obstacles that almost derailed it entirely.
Testing and Preparations
Before its eventual launch date, Rosalind Franklin has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it can cope with the extreme conditions of Mars. In 2018, it was tested in the Tabernas desert of Almería, a site selected for its similarities to Martian geography, particularly due to the presence of jarosite, a mineral found both on Earth and Mars. Later, it underwent further simulated Martian conditions in a Toulouse laboratory in 2020. Although the rover was deemed ready, it may still require additional testing in the lead-up to its launch.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the planned launch in 2028, there is palpable excitement surrounding the potential discoveries Rosalind Franklin may yield. With a combination of historical legacy, cutting-edge technology, and international collaboration, the mission symbolizes a significant step forward in the quest to uncover the mysteries of Mars.