SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has been finding out more about how Wales is involved in a new space mission to Mars.
Mr Rowlands recently attended an event in the Senedd to highlight how Aberystwyth University researchers are pushing the frontiers of space exploration.
Mr Rowlands said: “I was really pleased to have the opportunity to meet with scientists and researchers from the university and hear all about the key role they are playing in a new space mission.
“It was quite fascinating to see a full size model of the ExoMars rover, which was built at Aberystwyth University and will actually be at the forefront of the landing in three years’ time.
“It is good to see Wales at the forefront of such projects and it was great to talk to those involved and hear all about their future plans.”
As part of the event, researchers from the university gave presentations about their space research, including in the fields of space weather and instrumentation.
On display was a full-size model of the ExoMars rover, which was built in Aberystwyth. The university’s researchers are playing a key role in the ExoMars mission, with the rover due to land on the planet in 2028 to carry out vital research.
During the event Mr Rowlands was also able to chat with scientists and industry partners about other planetary and space work underway at Aberystwyth University.
