ExoMars is a scientific and technology mission of the European Space Agency ESA to Mars. The major scientific goal is related to the question whether life once existed or still exists on the red planet. The technology goals of the mission are related to the development of landing and mobility capabilities in preparation of future Mars missions. OHB is part of the European industrial consortium selected for implementation of the ExoMars mission.

ExoMars includes a Rover in the 200 kg class, placed on Mars surface by a Descent Module, which is brought to Mars by a Carrier Module. The scientific instruments onboard the Rover will analyse Mars soil samples, gathered from up to two meters depth below Mars surface, for mineralogical, organic and geochemical composition. The results will help to answer the scientifically extremely interesting question about the existence of life on Mars as well as form the foundation for future Mars missions. The scientific data from the surface will be sent to Earth via the Carrier Module which will be inserted into a low Mars orbit to provide the data relay function to the Rover. In addition, the Carrier spacecraft accommodates a set of scientific instruments for remote sensing observations from Mars orbit. The technology objectives will pave the way for future Mars missions within an international Mars exploration programme. The mission is scheduled to be launched in January 2016.

OHB has been involved in the ExoMars mission since the beginning of the industrial definition phase. Currently, the ExoMars project reached Phase B2 level. Within the European industrial consortium OHB implements the Co-Prime role for the development of the Carrier Module, by taking the system level responsibility for the Carrier MTP bus.