ESA's ExoMars: Neptec wins contract to develop cameras

The main challenge in the development of these cameras will be to design them to withstand the extreme environmental conditions that will be experienced on the surface of Mars.

Neptec Design Group has signed a contract with EADS Astrium UK Limited for the design and build of navigation cameras for the ExoMars Rover.

The ExoMars Programme has the goals of understanding the Martian environments and establishing whether life had or could now exist on Mars.

The Programme comprises two Missions: an Orbiter in 2016; and a Rover Mission in 2018.

Contracts with European organisations represent an increasing portion of Neptec's Space Exploration business as the company expands beyond its core business with the NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

"We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting journey in exploring the planet Mars," said Mike Kearns, Neptec President of Space Exploration.

"The vision cameras that we are developing will be the eyes of the rover as it explores the surface of Mars." The main challenge in the development of these cameras will be to design them to withstand the extreme environmental conditions that will be experienced on the surface of Mars.

"This ExoMars programme is an example of what can be accomplished when governments and industry work together in the space sector," said Neptec's CEO Iain Christie.

"The contract for these navigation cameras has involved the co-operation of the Canadian Space Agency, and the European Space Agency."

The ExoMars Programme is a European Space Agency Robotic Exploration Mission under the prime contractorship of Thales Alenia Space Italia, with EADS Astrium UK Limited leading the Rover Vehicle developments.