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The joint European-Russian project had been set to launch the UK-built Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars in September, aiming to search for signs of life.
The plans were put on hold following a meeting of ESA’s ruling council in Paris yesterday and today (16-17 March), during which members assessed the situation in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
The members unanimously acknowledged the “present impossibility” of ongoing co-operation with Russian space agency Roscosmos on a 2022 launch.
A statement by the ESA, which includes the UK, 21 other member states including France and Germany, and three associate members, said: “As an intergovernmental organisation mandated to develop and implement space programmes in full respect with European values, we deeply deplore the human casualties and tragic consequences of the aggression towards Ukraine. While recognising the impact on scientific exploration of space, ESA is fully aligned with the sanctions imposed on Russia by its member states.”
The organisation’s director general will now carry out a “fast-track industrial study” to find a way forward for the project.
The agency also announced the suspension of launches using Russian Soyuz rockets, following Roscosmos’ decision to withdraw its personnel from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana. Four planned ESA launches included deliveries of satellites for the Galileo global navigation system.
The International Space Station (ISS) “continues to operate nominally”, the ESA said, adding: “The main goal is to continue safe operations of the ISS, including maintaining the safety of the crew.”
The ESA plans to hold further meetings to discuss all other activities affected by the war in Ukraine.
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