ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter

TGO

Mission Profile

ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) is an ESA/Roscosmos Mars science mission launched on 14 March 2016 aboard a Proton-M rocket, tasked with detecting trace gases in the Martian atmosphere — particularly methane, which could indicate geological or biological activity. TGO's four instrument suites have mapped water vapor and ozone distribution, characterized dust and aerosol properties, and searched for traces of methane with extraordinary sensitivity, finding that the planet's methane concentration is far lower than earlier Earth-based measurements suggested. The orbiter also serves as a critical telecommunications relay for the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, and its mission was extended to support future landed elements of the ExoMars program. TGO delivered the Schiaparelli Entry, Descent, and Landing Demonstrator Module as a piggyback payload during arrival at Mars in October 2016.