Sener Secures Key Role in ESA’s ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission

Sener Secures Key Role in ESA’s ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission

(IN BRIEF) Sener has been chosen by the European Space Agency to develop several key systems for the Rosalind Franklin rover, part of the ExoMars mission scheduled for launch in 2028. The company will design and manufacture the separation systems for the descent module, UHF communications antennas, and landing gear for the rover platform, as well as the drill positioning system, solar panel deployment mechanism, and communications antennas for both the rover and the orbiter. This marks Sener’s third involvement in Mars missions, following their contributions to NASA’s Mars 2020 and Mars Science Laboratory projects. Additionally, Sener has developed the umbilical release mechanism in Poland, crucial for providing power after landing under extreme conditions. Project Director Yon Jáuregui emphasized the significance of working on a mission that combines technical challenges with the pursuit of understanding life and the universe.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 5-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Sener has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop several critical systems for the entry module of the Rosalind Franklin rover—part of the upcoming ExoMars mission set for a 2028 launch. In this role, the company will design and manufacture the separation systems for the descent module, UHF communications antennas, and the landing gear for the rover’s platform. Additionally, Sener is tasked with creating the positioning and translation system for the rover’s drill, along with the mechanisms to deploy its solar panels and communications antennas for both the rover and the orbiter.

This marks Sener’s third venture on a Mars mission, following their work on NASA’s Mars 2020 and Mars Science Laboratory projects, showcasing the company’s deep expertise in space exploration technologies. The Rosalind Franklin rover is engineered to search for signs of life by drilling up to two meters into the Martian surface, analyzing soil samples, and studying the planet’s geochemical and atmospheric properties. Moreover, Sener has developed the umbilical release mechanism in Poland, a vital component ensuring an electromechanical connection between the rover and the descent module to supply power post-landing under extreme conditions.

Yon Jáuregui, Project Director at Aerospace and Defence at Sener, commented on the milestone, emphasizing the privilege of contributing to a mission that combines formidable technical challenges with the quest for fundamental answers about life and the universe. This partnership underlines ESA’s commitment to advanced space exploration and highlights Sener’s continuing role in shaping the future of interplanetary missions.

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SOURCE: SENER group