Mars Exploration Joint Initiative

The Mars Exploration Joint Initiative ( Meiji, Eng. Initiative for the joint exploration of Mars ) is an agreement between the U.S. space agency NASA and the European ESA. The agreement regulates how in the future know- how and resources for the exploration of the planet Mars can be shared by the two space agencies. Under the agreement also some joint missions were decided; sometimes meant by Mars Exploration Joint Initiative also affected missions. The agreement was signed in October 2009 in Washington DC signed.

The missions are aimed primarily at astrobiological, geological and geophysical targets. In addition, in the contract, the long-term goal of a sample return mission (Mars Sample Return ) is formulated in the 2020s.

Background

Initial discussions on an agreement on the joint exploration of the red planet took place in December 2008, after the Council of Ministers of ESA has proposed to search for the ExoMars project for international support. At the same time it became clear at NASA, the Mars Science Laboratory mission would be delayed by two years, which is why NASA had to revise their schedule for the next Mars probes.

Swell

• NASA
• ESA
• Space mission
• Mars ( Planet)