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Mars Express, launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) on June 2, 2003, and entering orbit around Mars on December 25, 2003, has significantly enhanced our understanding of the Red Planet over the past 20 years. Originally intended to last one Martian year (approximately 687 Earth days), the mission has extended to over ten Martian years, revealing crucial insights into Mars’ geology, climate, and past water systems. Equipped with eight advanced instruments, Mars Express has mapped nearly the entire Martian surface, studied its moons Phobos and Deimos, and supported various other missions.
Key discoveries include detailed evidence of ancient water, signs of past volcanic and tectonic activity, and complex atmospheric processes. The orbiter has documented water-derived minerals and underground water reservoirs, transforming our perception of Mars from a cold, arid world to a once-habitable environment. Additionally, Mars Express has enabled the training of over 170 PhD students and has contributed to more than 1,800 scientific papers. With its mission extending until at least 2028 to assist the forthcoming JAXA-led Mars Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, Mars Express continues to play an essential role in Martian exploration and research.
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