Mission-critical engineering for ExoMars
Acting as a strategic partner, Equans Sci-Tech* focused on aligning the facility’s complex technical specifications with Airbus’s mission goals. Operating under a 12-week programme, we provided a single point of contact to ‘Design. Deliver.’ the mission-critical environments within a live operational site.Mission-critical engineering for ExoMars
Acting as a strategic partner, Equans Sci-Tech* focused on aligning the facility’s complex technical specifications with Airbus’s mission goals. Operating under a 12-week programme, we provided a single point of contact to ‘Design. Deliver.’ the mission-critical environments within a live operational site.
Key figures
Key figures
Overview
To advance the international ExoMars mission, Airbus required more than a traditional testing space; they needed a mission-critical environment to guarantee the rover’s operational readiness for Martian terrain. The challenge was to replicate the unpredictable conditions of Mars within a 21m x 13m "Mars Yard". This facility had to house 300 tonnes of specialised sand and rocky obstacles while maintaining strict environmental parameters to ensure the rover could successfully develop autonomous navigation and find evidence of life.
Technical mastery
Our engineering team adopted an "inside-out" philosophy to ensure the terrain mirrored the rover's exact workflows. Key technical implementations included:
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Precision climate control: We installed an external air handling unit (AHU) with high-quality fabric air distribution ducts to maintain temperatures between 18 and 25 degrees. This system was engineered to distribute air uniformly without disturbing the fine sand terrain.
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Solar simulation: An ultra-bright 2000 lux lighting system was integrated to simulate typical light levels on the Martian surface.
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Specialised infrastructure: We constructed a unique open grid ceiling to allow for the suspension of services and a target grid system for the rover.
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Elevated secure control room: A fully-fitted control room featuring 9m wide glazing was built to provide a full view of the terrain. This allows for the high-fidelity analysis of ExoMars behaviours, such as drilling and roving, without hindering test results.
Benefits
Our expert-led delivery provides Airbus with a cutting-edge showpiece facility that secures its leadership in autonomous aerospace navigation.
Key results:
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Minimising environmental impact: By utilising existing building services, adapting them to the new scope and layout, we minimised the financial and environmental impact that would have accompanied a greenfield development.
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User-friendly and adaptable: The fully-fitted, elevated control room, built with the integrity of the environment in mind, will allow observation of the Mars Rover without hindering or altering test results. Furthermore, the ability to alter environmental conditions means that the facility is highly adaptable to suit all manners of testing for the Mars Rover.
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Cutting-edge facility: The innovative project provides Airbus with a showpiece facility that will help develop the Mars Rover’s autonomous navigation, cementing their position in the aerospace field.
Explore our full range of capabilities.
At Equans Sci-Tech, we specialise in mission-critical environments where precision is non-negotiable. Whether you are launching a greenfield development or repurposing existing building services, our fully integrated team provides a single point of contact to Define, Design, and Deliver your most complex requirements.
* Formerly known as Bouygues Energies & Services
Ready to discuss your project?
From initial feasibility to high-precision delivery, we provide the end-to-end expertise and technical leadership you need to move forward with confidence. Get in touch to discuss how we can bring your next mission-critical project to life.Ready to discuss your project?
From initial feasibility to high-precision delivery, we provide the end-to-end expertise and technical leadership you need to move forward with confidence. Get in touch to discuss how we can bring your next mission-critical project to life.