ExoMars 2016: journey to Mars
Animation visualising milestones during the launch of the ExoMars 2016 mission and its cruise to Mars. The mission comprises the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and an entry, descent and landing demonstrator module, Schiaparelli, which were launched on a four-stage Proton-M/Breeze-M rocket from Baikonur on14 March 2016. About ten-and-a-half hours after launch, the spacecraft separated from the rocket and deployed its solar wings. Two weeks later, its high-gain antenna was deployed. After a seven-month cruise to Mars, Schiaparelli separated from TGO on 16 October. Three days later it entered the Martian atmosphere, while TGO began its entry into Mars orbit.