Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin announced that discussions with the European Space Agency (ESA) have begun anew regarding the potential launch of the ExoMars mission. The announcement underscores a renewed interest in collaboration between Russia and Europe on Mars exploration, even as geopolitical and economic factors influence the feasibility of such a joint venture.
Rogozin stated that colleagues from the ESA have promised to bring the matter to the attention of the participating European member states. He explained that if the parties can find common ground and express a willingness to cooperate, the mission could proceed. The roads to agreement, however, remain contingent on political consensus and practical considerations across the participating nations.
He cautioned that his personal likelihood of a positive outcome hovers around 7-8 percent, reflecting the challenging climate surrounding international space cooperation amid broader sanctions and policy shifts. This perspective highlights the delicate balance among national interests, funding, and the strategic value of joint space scientific endeavors.
Looking back to the spring of 2012, Roscosmos joined the ExoMars program to pursue joint Mars exploration with European partners. The European Space Agency has noted that a 2022 launch of the Russian-European ExoMars instrument faced significant obstacles due to sanctions tied to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. These sanctions have constrained collaborative activities and affected program timelines, illustrating how geopolitical factors can ripple through long-term space science plans.
On March 17, the ESA’s governing council confirmed that it was not possible to launch a mission on a Russian rocket within that year because of the ongoing sanctions. This decision reflected a broader international effort to respond to the situation in Ukraine while preserving scientific objectives and the potential for future cooperation when political conditions permit.
Dmitry Rogozin, who previously served as Roscosmos’ director-general, has suggested that the Mars mission could still move forward in a configuration that does not require a rover, should the international partners reach an agreement. This statement underscores one of several scenarios under consideration by the agencies involved, balancing scientific ambition with the realities of funding and international collaboration. As space agencies continue to monitor the evolving geopolitical landscape, the ExoMars project remains a symbol of potential cooperation and scientific discovery that could endure beyond current constraints.