Beagle 2 separates from mother ship | Guardian

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Beagle 2 separates from mother ship

Press Association
Friday December 19, 2003


The Mars Express orbits the planet, carrying the Beagle 2 probe (computer generated image)

The Beagle 2 spacecraft has begun its final journey towards Mars today after scientists confirmed it had successfully separated from its mother ship.

Today's ejection manoeuvre from the Mars Express mother ship is critical to plans for the British-built probe to land on Mars's surface on Christmas Day.

Scientists in Britain received initial confirmation that the separation had been successful at 10.40am in a live link from the European Space Operation Centre in Darmstadt, Germany.

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