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Roscosmos resumes talks on ExoMars mission with European Space Agency — head

In his words, the equipment and Kazachok landing platform for the mission have the potential for launch in 2024

MOSCOW, June 12. /TASS/. Russian state-run space corporation Roscosmos has resumed negotiations with the European Space Agency (ESA) about the launch of the ExoMars mission, with launch possible no earlier than in 2024, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin has told TASS.

In his words, the equipment and Kazachok landing platform for the mission have the potential for launch in 2024.

"ESA colleagues promised to make requests to their patrons, who are ESA member states. If they cooperate and give their consent, the mission may be implemented," Rogozin said.

He estimates the likelihood of this scenario to be at about 708%. Roscosmos plans to get the response in late June.

In his words, the Kazachok landing module, designed by the Lavochkin Research and Production Association, will be returned to Russia in any case.

Earlier, ESA said the launch of ExoMars was unlikely due to sanctions, imposed on Russia over the situation in Ukraine. In turn, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said Russia can send a Mars mission on its own. Work on the project will begin soon, the mission is to depart aboard the Angara-A5 carrier rocket from the Vostochny space center in Russia’s Far East.

Launch windows for a Mars mission open once in two years. Therefore, it will be impossible to send a mission next year.