
Mars Express Surges Into Its Third Decade with Software Upgrade Until 2034
2025-05-18
Author: John Tan
Mission Control Defies Decay: Mars Express Gets a Lifeline
In a remarkable feat of engineering, mission operators at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) have successfully deployed a new software patch for the iconic Mars Express spacecraft, ensuring it can continue its groundbreaking work until at least 2034.
Battling Gear Degeneration: A Dance with Time
The durability of Mars Express hinges on its critical ring laser gyroscope, a vital component for accurate instrument and antenna alignment. However, this crucial gear has been aging, posing a significant challenge for the mission's future.
Innovative Solutions: Tapping into the Stars
To combat the gyroscope's wear and tear, engineers at ESA turned to an ingenious solution: leveraging input from star trackers to replace gyro data. This innovative approach has been operational for about seven years, a crucial adjustment for a spacecraft now celebrating its twenty-first year in orbit.