Roscosmos again began negotiations with the European Space Agency (ESA) on the launch of the ExoMars mission, but not earlier than 2024. It is reported by TASS with reference to the CEO of the state corporation Dmitry Rogozin.
He clarified that the resource of the instruments and the Kazachok landing platform would be enough to launch the ExoMars mission apparatus in 2024. Roskosmos submitted this information to the ESA.
“Colleagues from the ESA promised to turn to the patrons in the person of the ESA member countries. If they meet halfway and say that they agree, then the mission can be implemented,” Rogozin said, estimating the chance for a positive response within 7-8%.
According to the CEO of the state corporation, Roskosmos expects a response in the 20th of June. Rogozin stressed that the landing module “Kazachok”, created for a mission to the NPO. S. A. Lavochkin, in any case, will return to Russia.
Earlier, the ESA announced a low probability of launching the ExoMars mission due to anti-Russian sanctions announced in connection with the situation in Ukraine. In turn, Rogozin reported that Russia itself would send a research mission to Mars. According to him, preparations for this will begin in the near future, and the shipment will take place on the Angara-A5 launch vehicle from the Vostochny cosmodrome.
Convenient “windows” for sending a rocket to Mars open every two years. Therefore, launching the mission next year is not possible.