The European Space Agency (ESA) is ready to launch the ExoMars mission to look for traces of methane in the Red Planet. The move is beginning to solve the 'mystery' of the existence of a number of gases in the Martian atmosphere.
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| An artist's impression of the satellite will release the lander three days out from Mars. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Q1BxEU) |
In addition, the mission will also launch the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) to the surface of Mars to find out what technology is needed for the second mission of ExoMars in 2019 that will bring the rover (a type of automatic vehicle) to Mars. The TGO
which has a weighs of 3.7 tons was equipped with technology that can
collect data on the Martian atmosphere gas, mainly methane
Since approved by the ESA in 2005, the mission with the main objective to seek the biological heritage of extraterrestrial life in the past and now it has faced a long journey, even nearly stopped.
However, to Mars project worth 1.3 billion euros, or around Rp. 19 trillion was finally able to continue after the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) join following the American out of the mission.
Vincenzo Georgio, a senior director of Thales Alenia Space (the prime contractor of ExoMars mission) revealed that the satellite is ready. Although it had appeared the problem of funding and politics, we are working very hard, seven days a week, three shifts. And see the results now, Mars is more alive.
From previous studies, the concentration of methane on Mars, low and sporadic. However, the fact that there is methane on Mars alone, considered by many researchers has been very interesting.
The reason is simple organic molecules, such as methane, are very easily destroyed in the Martian atmosphere were rude. So the existence of consistent indicate a continuous production of the gas.
This can be explained geologically possibility: methane on Mars is a byproduct of the interaction between water and rock mineral at a certain depth.
Even so, it was likely methane in Mars was 'biological' produced because the Earth is mostly methane derived from living organisms. And it's not unusual if one is predicting, microbes on the Red Planet also emit methane.
"We are very excited to confirm the predictions," said ExoMars scientist, Jorge Vago as reported by the BBC on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
"Despite the correct explanation, geologically or biologically, if methane is found below the surface of Mars, meaning require running water. Although only discovered this fact, Mars will feel more 'alive'."
The TGO planned to be taken to the launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan in mid-December to be launched on March 14, 2016. The unit is expected to arrive at Mars in mid October 2016. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BBC]
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