Beagle 2: a proposed exobiology lander for ESA's 2003 Mars Express mission

The proposed Beagle 2 lander for ESA's 2003 Mars Express mission will be described. The aim of Beagle 2 will be to search for organic material on and below the surface of Mars in addition to a study of the inorganic chemistry and mineralogy of the landing site. The lander will utilize a small rover equipped with a mechanical and grinder to obtained samples from below the surface, under rocks, and inside rocks. Samples will be returned to the lander for analysis. Analysis performed by Beagle 2 will include examination of samples with an optical microscope and APX and Mossbauer Spectrometers as well as a search for organics and a measurement of their isotopic composition. The lander systems design as well as the experiment configuration will be described.