Mars Exploration Joint Initiative
The Mars Exploration Joint Initiative (MEJI) is an agreement signed between United states' space agency, NASA, and Europe's space agency, ESA to join resources and expertise in order to continue the exploration of the planet Mars.[1] The agreement was signed in Washington D.C. in October 2009.
Background
Discussions between NASA and ESA began in December 2008, driven by the ESA Ministerial Council's recommendation to seek international cooperation to complete the ExoMars mission and to prepare further Mars robotic exploration missions. At the same time, NASA was reassessing its Mars Exploration Program portfolio after the launch of its Mars Science Laboratory was delayed from 2009 to 2011. This provided NASA and ESA with an opportunity to increase cooperation and expand collective capabilities.[2][3] The U.S. and Europe have taken the view that they can achieve more together scientifically at Mars if they combine their expertise. And with both parties' current Mars programmes also experiencing financial pressures, the shared approach means the exploration schedule of a mission every two years can be maintained.[1]
The executive board recommended NASA and ESA establish MEJI, spanning launch opportunities in 2016, 2018 and 2020, with landers and orbiters conducting astrobiological, geological, geophysical and other high-priority investigations, and leading to the return of soil and rock samples from Mars in the 2020's.
Missions
The MEJI vision would encompass the following launch opportunities:
As plans develop, they will be reviewed by ESA member states for approval and by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.[2]
References
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| Flybys |
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| Orbiters |
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| Landers |
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| Rovers |
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Bold italics indicate active missions
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| Failed en route |
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Cancelled
(year cancelled) |
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NASA planetary exploration programs
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