Long Term Preservation of Mars Express

In December 2005, yet another telecommunications test was conducted between Mars Express – the European Mars orbiter – and the American Mars Exploration Rovers. The success of this test highlighted once again that, in addition to its science return, Mars Express is a valuable telecommunications link around the Red Planet. ESA, NASA and possibly other space agencies plan to launch further landing elements to Mars. Bearing that in mind, the question was raised on the feasibility of maintaining Mars Express for a multitude of its original designed lifetime, such that it can function as a relay for future Mars landing elements. This paper presents the feasibility study that was carried out to give a preliminary answer to this question and make recommendations for further analysis and mission strategies.