“The CDF study also identified key trade-offs and risks to be addressed next, providing a solid starting point for Phase A, in which ATMOS will focus on the optimisation of aerodynamics, stability and thermal design, and on improving entry modelling and guidance to increase landing accuracy,” adds Daniela Lomanto from ESA's Concurrent Engineering and Future Missions section.

ESA’s support of the Phoenix 3 study is in line with the agency’s core mandate: to boost and accelerate the competitiveness of European industry by providing technical support exactly when and where it is needed.

Ilaria Roma, Head of the CDF, notes: “ATMOS has created a win-win scenario for the future of European space exploration, so their vision and this specific mission assessment is supported by ESA's Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration.