On this day in space! Oct. 19, 2016: Europe's ExoMars orbiter and Schiaparelli lander arrive at Mars
This article reflects on the 2016 arrival of the European Space Agency's ExoMars mission at the Red Planet. While the orbiter remains functional, the Schiaparelli lander failed during its descent.
Why it matters
It serves as a historical reminder of the challenges and risks inherent in interplanetary exploration missions.
The ExoMars 2016 orbiter survived the Mars arrival. Sadly, its Schiaparelli lander did not.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
Click for next article Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter On Oct. 19, 2016, the European Space Agency's ExoMars mission arrived at Mars !
ExoMars 2016 consists of the Trace Gas Orbiter and the Schiaparelli lander. The orbiter and lander traveled there together and separated on Oct. 16, three days before the orbiter entered orbit around Mars , and the lander touched down on the planet's surface. But something went wrong during the lander's descent, and it crashed into the ground.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in