According to press-service of Roscosmos, in the framework of Le Bourget air show Roscosmos Head Vladimir Popovkin and ESA Head Jean-Jacques Dordain signed a document assigning responsibilities in ExoMars project mission in 2018 and letter of understanding determining the directions of cooperation in the field of Moon exploration by robotic tools.
“The parties discussed ExoMars research program, possibilities of cooperation in the field of Moon and near-moon space exploration by robotic means and joint exploration of Solar system planets. The parties agreed to form a joint working group to consider the possibility of further joint realization of future Mars exploration projects. The parties also discussed the development of cooperation on ISS program” – press-service reports.
Roscosmos and ESA signed an agreement on ExoMars project in March 2013. ExoMars project provides for TGO (Trace Gas Orbiter) probe launch and landing of EDM descent module on Mars surface in 2016. In 2018 landing platform with Mars rover will be delivered to Mars. Initially it was a joint project of ESA and NASA but the American party left and Europeans offered Roscosmos to cooperate. Roscosmos will provide the project with Proton boosters and Briz-M upper stages for both missions and render other launch services.
