After nearly 25 years of delays and broken promises, Europe's Rosalind Franklin Mars rover finally has a confirmed ride to space. NASA announced that SpaceX's Falcon Heavy will launch the European Space Agency's flagship mission, possibly as soon as late 2028 from Kennedy Space Center. This marks the fourth different rocket planned for the mission since its inception.

The rover mission has navigated a complex web of international partnerships and political obstacles. Originally planned for 2009 with a NASA partnership, then switching to Russian rockets after NASA withdrew in 2012, the mission faced another setback when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. ESA severed ties with Russia, forcing a return to American assistance with NASA providing the launch vehicle and critical landing systems.

Despite the long journey to launch, the rover's scientific objectives remain highly relevant. Rosalind Franklin will drill 6 feet into the Martian crust—deeper than any previous mission—to analyze protected organic molecules that could reveal signs of ancient life. The rover features novel mobility capabilities including six-wheel steering and "wheel walking" technology. Assuming a 2028 launch, the rover will reach Mars in 2030.