EU, Russia to launch joint ExoMars mission in July 2020

The EXO Mars program by the European Space Agency consists of two missions. The first mission, the Trace Gas Orbiter, was launched in 2016 to study Mars' atmosphere. The second mission, planned for July 2020, involves launching the Rosalind Franklin Rover and Kazutok Surface Platform to Mars. After a nine-month journey, the descent module will land on Mars at Oxyaplanum. The Kazutok platform will study the surface environment, while the Rover will explore the terrain, using cameras for navigation and drilling to collect underground samples for analysis.

What was the primary objective of the Trace Gas Orbiter launched in 2016?

• To land on Mars and collect soil samples

• To orbit Mars and study its atmosphere

• To explore the Martian surface with a rover

• To establish a human colony on Mars

Which two components are part of the second mission of the ExoMars program?

• Oxia Planum Site and Descent Module

• Proton Rocket and Trace Gas Orbiter

• Rosalind Franklin Rover and Kazachok Platform

• Trace Gas Orbiter and Kazachok Platform

What is the expected duration of the journey to Mars for the second mission?

• Six months

• Eighteen months

• Twelve months

• Nine months

What is the primary function of the Kazachok platform after landing on Mars?

• To launch a satellite into Mars' orbit

• To study the surface environment

• To drill for underground samples

• To navigate the Martian terrain

What is the purpose of the Rover's drilling capability?

• To retrieve underground samples for analysis

• To create a habitat for astronauts

• To power the Rover with Martian soil

• To build navigation maps