ESA’s Rosalind Franklin rover is designed to drill as far as 2 metres beneath the Martian surface, where traces of organic material may be better protected from radiation. That is a planned capability—not a depth the rover has already reached on Mars. Its mission, currently scheduled to launch in late 2028, is to investigate possible evidence of ancient life at Oxia Planum.
Why drill below the Martian surface?
Mars’s surface is exposed to ionising radiation and other harsh conditions that can alter or destroy organic molecules. Material deeper underground may be better preserved, so Rosalind Franklin’s drill is intended to collect samples from below the most exposed layer. The maximum planned vertical reach is 2 metres, according to ESA’s mission overview.
The rover will explore Oxia Planum, a clay-rich region whose minerals formed in the presence of abundant liquid water. That ancient water-associated setting makes the area relevant to investigating whether conditions once supported life and whether possible traces remain. The mission is a search for evidence, not a report of a discovery.
Has Rosalind Franklin already drilled 1.7 metres on Mars?
No. The 1.7-metre result came from an Earth-based test of the rover model Amalia, not from a Mars mission. In a Mars-like test bed in Italy, the model reached that depth and delivered a sample for analysis, ESA reported in 2023.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- HOBBY MODEL KIT – Unassembled model packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Ideal for ages 14 and up.
- NO GLUE OR SOLDER NEEDED – Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets. Tweezers are the recommended tool for bending and twisting the connection tabs.
- MARS ROVER PERSEVERANCE & INGENUITY HELICOPTER – 4.5 Sheet Model with a challenging difficulty level. Assembled Size: Rover: 4.92 L x 3.54 W x 2.95 H inches. Helicopter: 1.02 L x 1.30 W x 0.79 H inches. 1:30 Scale.
- FROM STEEL SHEETS TO 3D – Pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Includes illustrated instructions.
- HIGHLY DETAILED ETCHED MODEL – Display your 3D model once completed - collect and build them all.
The same 2023 ESA report gave 7.1 centimetres as the deepest drill sampling achieved on Mars at that time. That is a dated comparison from the report, not a verified current record. The important distinction is that 2 metres is the flight rover’s designed reach, while 1.7 metres was demonstrated in an Earth test.
What will the rover do with a sample?
Rosalind Franklin’s Pasteur payload is designed to build geological context, help select targets, and then examine collected material in the rover’s onboard laboratory. The instruments work at different stages and scales:
Rank #2
- Mars Exploration Made Easy: GalaxyRVR, compatible with Arduino Uno R3, recreates the experience of real Mars rovers. Inspired by NASA’s rocker-bogie suspension system, it easily travels over rocks, sand, and grass—delivering true off-road capability beyond ordinary robot cars. Powered by solar charging and equipped with real-time FPV, smart obstacle avoidance, and remote control, it brings an immersive Martian adventure right to you. Start with easy controls, then advance to Arduino programming or Scratch block coding. Perfect for students, educators, and DIY enthusiasts
- Tough and Terrain-Ready: GalaxyRVR, crafted from sturdy aluminum alloy and featuring a rocker-bogie system like real Mars rovers, is designed for outdoor exploration and effortlessly tackles diverse terrains such as sand, rocks, grass, and mud pits for seamless adventure
- Solar-Powered and FPV: GalaxyRVR comes equipped with a solar panel, enabling solar charging. Its ESP32 CAM, paired with an app, offers remote control and a real-time FPV experience, bringing exploration to your fingertips
- Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance and Enhanced Lighting: GalaxyRVR is fitted with ultrasonic and infrared sensors, ensuring effective obstacle avoidance. Enhanced by RGB light strips and ESP32 LED lighting, it not only brings vibrancy but also confidently illuminates its path, making exploration in the dark possible
- Beginner-Friendly with Comprehensive Support: The GalaxyRVR kit is designed for easy assembly, allowing users to get started quickly without frustration. It comes with detailed online tutorials and step-by-step video lessons, ensuring a smooth learning curve. Coupled with an active community forum and responsive technical support, even novices can confidently bring this project to life
- Choose and assess targets: PanCam provides images and geological context; Enfys assesses mineralogy; CLUPI takes close-up images; and WISDOM uses ground-penetrating radar to help plan drilling.
- Examine the borehole and sample: Ma_MISS studies mineralogy in the borehole wall from inside the drill. MicrOmega analyzes crushed sample material, while RLS examines minerals and carbon compounds.
- Search for organic molecules: MOMA conducts a sensitive search for organic molecules. Finding such molecules would not, by itself, prove life; scientists would need to interpret the chemistry alongside the geological setting and other evidence.
The sequence matters: instruments first help characterize the terrain and choose where to drill, then laboratory instruments investigate samples from below the surface.
How much sampling is planned?
ESA describes a nominal surface mission of 218 Martian solar days, or sols. Its planning scenario includes six experiment cycles and two vertical surveys. During a full-depth survey, samples are planned at 50-centimetre intervals, with 20 samples expected to be acquired and delivered under that scenario. These are design and planning figures, not guaranteed results from the mission.
Rank #3
- IGNITE SPACE EXPLORATION PASSION: Dive into the world of Martian engineering with the Perseverance Mars Rover, an immersive NASA-inspired STEM toy. Assemble and operate a real working Mars rover powered by a powerful motor, equipped with a movable robotic arm, strong grip, and powerful torque, offering the excitement of Martian exploration up close.
- UNVEIL STEM WONDERS: Unbox the future of learning with the Perseverance Mars Rover kit, containing 71 pieces and a 60-page educational and instructions booklet. Aimed at kids aged 8 and above, this kit is more than just a toy—it's a gateway to hands-on STEM education, fostering curiosity and understanding in robotics, mobility systems, electrical connections, and transmission systems, among other disciplines.
- MASTER SPACE MISSION CONTROL: Embark on a journey of discovery as you assemble and control the Perseverance Mars Rover model. With its DC motor capable of driving uphill and crossing uneven surfaces, children simulate Martian exploration missions, learning about the intricacies of mobility systems and experiencing the excitement of space missions on the Red Planet.
- EMPOWER FUTURE INNOVATORS WITH STEM EDUCATION: Inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers with the Perseverance Mars Rover. Through interactive play, children not only gain valuable insights into robotics, engineering, and space exploration but also develop essential skills like hand-eye coordination and concentration, laying the foundation for future STEM careers and innovations.
- BOND THROUGH COSMIC ADVENTURES: Bring families and friends together with the Perseverance Mars Rover kit, fostering teamwork and collaboration as they tackle assembly challenges and simulate Martian exploration missions. Spark lively discussions about space exploration and science, creating lasting memories filled with learning and fun.
When is the mission scheduled, and who is contributing?
ESA’s current mission overview schedules launch for late 2028 and describes the trip to Mars as approximately two years. These are plans, not completed events or a guaranteed landing date. The rover is an ESA-led European mission, with important contributions from partners.
In a 16 May 2024 announcement, NASA described its agreement with ESA to provide a US commercial launch provider, heater units, elements of the lander propulsion system, and components for MOMA. The UK Space Agency’s 2024–25 annual report says Enfys passed its Critical Design Review in 2024 and identifies PanCam and Raman as UK-funded instruments. These statements document specific contributions and milestones; they do not establish that launch or landing has occurred.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Feed a passion for science and technology – Kids can learn more about the challenges of space exploration with this LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance (42158) building toy set
- Conduct a test flight – This advanced building kit for kids ages 10 and up includes a buildable toy version of NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter, which accompanied the Perseverance Rover and was used to test powered flight on Mars
- AR brings the mission to life – The accompanying augmented reality app experience lets kids dive into the details of the rover and its mission
- Explore the functions – Features 360° steering, movable arms and fully articulated suspension that lets the vehicle travel across uneven surfaces, plus buildable scientific instruments
- A gift for kids who love engineering – This Mars Perseverance Rover NASA toy makes a great gift idea for kids with a passion for space exploration, technology or science projects
Rank #4
- Gift Envelope Includes - Unassembled Model Easy to Follow Instructions
- From Steel Sheets to Museum Quality 3D Model
- Assembled Size 3.65x3.35x2.35 inches
- No Glue or Solder Needed
- Ages 14+
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
