Research of Mars

Almaty, 07 January 2008, (Khabar) - Specialists of European Space Agency and their Russian colleagues plan to realize the project “Exo-Mars” after 2010. Its task is contracted studying of Mars and heavy Mars research vehicle “Exo-Mars” will be sent to the planet, it will be equipped with Russian devices. The main scientific researches of this expedition will concern search of possible life on Mars. It is supposed Mars research vehicle will be equipped with special drill that will be able to penetrate deeply into the ground. There are almost no conditions for life on surface of Mars because of large temperature drop, radiation, ultra-violet radiation and unfavorable chemical environment. But there are quite different conditions underground. But the US Mars research vehicles failed to penetrate deeply though they have been functioning there for several years. And the European apparatus will be able to do it. Besides, the Russian devices on the board of “Exo-Mars” will study the lowest strata of Marsian atmosphere. Common cost of the project is 1 billion 200 millions euros. Two Russian scientific devices will be financed this year.