ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter
ActiveLaunched in 2016·Mars orbit
A European orbiter hunting trace gases in the Martian atmosphere, including methane, to determine whether Mars is still geologically alive.
Main objectives
- Map the trace gases of the Martian atmosphere.
- Understand the presence and origin of methane.
- Relay communications for surface rovers.
Did you know?
It detects minute concentrations — the equivalent of a spoonful of methane in an Olympic-size lake.
Timeline
Mar 14, 2016
Launch
Proton-M lift-off from Baikonur with the Schiaparelli demonstrator.
Oct 19, 2016
Mars orbit insertion
Arrival around Mars (Schiaparelli crashed on landing).
Apr 01, 2018
Science begins
Methane hunting and trace-gas mapping.
Apr 01, 2021
Methane verdict
NOMAD does not confirm the methane reported by Curiosity at Gale Crater.
ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter
Instruments
[04]Specifications
Mass
Orbit
Launch
Discoveries
[02]- MeasurementMajorMartian methane not detected in 2020Apr 01, 2021ESA/TGO ↗
- MilestoneNotableMethane verdictApr 01, 2021