Mars Express: Two Decades of Unveiling the Mysteries of the Red Planet

For over twenty years, the Mars Express orbiter has been a cornerstone of our understanding of Mars, standing as the European Space Agency’s (ESA) sole operational mission to the Red Planet. Since its launch, Mars Express has provided invaluable insights, mapping the Martian atmosphere and its chemical composition with unprecedented detail. Its contributions extend beyond atmospheric studies; the orbiter has meticulously examined Mars’ innermost moon, Phobos, and has traced the channels and terrains that indicate the historical presence of liquid water on Mars’ surface.

One of the latest highlights from Mars Express is a recently released film that offers a breathtaking tour over Xanthe Terra, a highland region situated just north of the Martian equator. This film is crafted from a mosaic of images captured by the orbiter’s High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) during single-orbit observations. By combining these images with topographical data from a digital terrain model (DTM), scientists have created a stunning three-dimensional representation of the Martian landscape.

The film prominently features Shalbatan Vallis, an impressive outflow channel stretching approximately 1,300 kilometers (around 800 miles) that serves as a transition point from the Southern Highlands to the Northern Lowlands. This channel is part of a network of waterways that crisscross Xanthe Terra and nearby regions, including Lunae Planum and Margaritifer Terra, all situated within the larger Oxia Palus quadrangle. Historical data from various missions, dating back to the Pioneer probes and Viking missions, suggest that Shalbatan Vallis and similar channels once transported water from the Southern Highlands to a vast ocean in the Northern Lowlands.

These geological features are intricately linked to Valles Marineris, the largest canyon system in the Solar System, which is also believed to have harbored water in its past. The film culminates with a stunning view of the Da Vinci crater, a 100 km-wide (62 mi) formation that showcases a smaller crater and debris field resulting from a more recent impact.

As Mars Express continues its mission, it not only enriches our knowledge of Mars’ past but also fuels ongoing discussions about the planet’s potential for past life and future exploration. The orbiter’s contributions are a testament to the power of space exploration and the continuous quest to understand our neighboring worlds. For those intrigued by the wonders of Mars, the full video and broadcast-quality footage are available for viewing, inviting everyone to embark on this virtual journey across the Martian landscape.

For further information, be sure to check out the European Space Agency’s resources on Mars Express and its ongoing discoveries.