Created in Warsaw "umbilical cord" will fly to Mars

The umbilical, or electrical connection release mechanism, is critical to the success of the ExoMars space mission. The device will provide power to the rover after it lands on the surface of the Red Planet. SENER Polska has just begun the final stage of the project, testing the flight model that will set off for Mars in 2020.

ExoMars. Exobiology on Mars) is a composite of twooch part of the space mission, whichohe goal is to search for a traceoin life on Mars and better preparation for future manned missions. ExoMars is the coolnym undertaking of the European Space Agency (ESA) and its Russian counterpart, Roskosmos.

In 2016, a satellite was launched, whichory currently orbiting Mars exploring its atmosphere and performing telecommunications functions. The second part of the mission, in 2020, will launch a rover that willory will explore the planet’s surface. For the first time ever, an Earth-based mechanism will drill into the surface of Mars in search of hidden traces beneath the surfaceoin life.

Our country, as a member of ESA, roIt is also taking part in the ExoMars mission. SENER Poland, commissioned by Airbus Defence and Space, designed and manufactured one of the key mechanisms of theow – „umbilical”, That is, the mechanical-electrical connection between the rover and the lander.

The rover will enter the Mars atmosphere inside the lander. Upon reaching the planet’s surface, the lander will deploy solar panels and begin charging the rover with the. During the robot’s launch, power will be transmitted just through the „umbilical” created by SENER Poland. Once charged, the rover will lift off on its wheels, and then „umbilical cord” will detach to allow the vehicle to descend to the surface of Mars and begin exploring the Red Planet.

The umbilical system consists of a primary and backup power system and must operate in the extreme conditions of interplanetary space, characterized by high radiation and temperatures close to absolute zero. In addition, it will be exposed to the harsh conditions of launching from Earth and landing on Mars, as well as the dust and atmospheric conditions of the planet.

– ExoMars is one of the most important missions of the European Space Agency and a very important step in space exploration. This is the first such advanced European robot, whichory will land on another planet. We are part of a pioneering project not only for the Polish, but also for the entire European space industry. – mowi Ilona Tobjasz, business development manager at SENER Poland.

SENER Poland is responsible for the entire URM project – from the conceptual stage, through manufacturing and testing, to the production of the flight model, whichory is currently being tested and is scheduled to land on Mars in 2021. The company wspohe company is working on this project with a group of proven Polish partnersow.

– Launched in 2015, the project „umbilicals” for the ExoMars mission has allowed SENER Poland to move from the district league to the European. For its purposes, we have created a clean room in the Warsaw office, designed to ensure that no biological object reaches Mars. Admittedly, each project is different, but with the experience ktore we have gained it is now much easier for us to execute further contracts. – admits Ilona Tobjasz.