The European Space Agency (ESA), a new space task in the process of evaluation, aims to create scientific infrastructure that can enable manned descent to Mars. The project, led by the UK, aims to increase the safety of future managed tasks by examining the Red Planet’s space weather conditions in detail.
‘M-Matisse (Mars Magnetosphere Atmosphere Ionosphere and Space-Weather Science)’ plans to send two robotic orbit to Mars. These tools, the planet’s magnetosphere, ionosphere and thermosphere of atmosphere layers; It will also examine the atmosphere and radiation levels near the surface. If the task gets approval, it will be the first special task that focuses on researching Mars’s space air with all layers.
Dr. Leicester University. The Beatriz Sanchez-Cano reported how this task would reveal how the energy from the Sun was absorbed in the Mars atmosphere and affects surface processes. It is stated that this information is critical in terms of foreseeing and taking precautions, especially in manned duties. Dr. Sanchez-Cano, “Understanding the conditions of space air on Mars, life is vital for both robotic and manned duties. We know how important such dangers are from our space air monitoring experience in Earth,” Sanchez-Cano said.
Two spacecraft to be used in the task ‘Henri’ and ‘Marguerite’ were named. ‘Henri’ will take place in Mars’ plasma system; ‘Marguerite’ will observe the areas where the solar wind effect is intense in a more remote area. Thanks to this strategy, the solar wind effect on Mars’s atmosphere can be monitored both close and at a long distance simultaneously. This will provide new information about how the Mars atmosphere evolves and the conditions for livability.
Task proposal, ESA ‘Medium Task’ program for the evaluation process was recorded. One of the three candidates, ‘M-Matisse’, is waiting for the decision to be announced in mid-2026. If the task is elected, the UK will be responsible for all of the particle measuring devices and the scientific data management center. In this way, England will make the most sensitive ion, neutral and electron measurements on Mars. The task of ‘M-Matisse’ will serve not only scientific data, but also a shield for the safety of astronauts that will set foot on Mars in the future.
Such research is accepted in terms of making accurate estimates about Mars’ space climate, determining livable areas and durability of task equipment. If ‘M-Matisse’ gets approval, the road to Mars will be a little clearer.
