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NASA Selects SpaceX for 2028 Mars Rover Launch

4/19/2026

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Story summary
  • NASA has selected SpaceX's Falcon Heavy to launch the European Rosalind Franklin Mars rover in late 2028.
  • The Rosalind Franklin Support and Augmentation (ROSA) project received NASA approval, providing braking engines and radioisotope heater units for ExoMars.
  • Delays from Russia's invasion of Ukraine led ExoMars to partner with NASA.
  • The mission aims to search for signs of life on Mars and remains a NASA–ESA collaboration.