Update on the Beagle 2 Mars Mission: Hope and Uncertainty

The Mars Express mission, launched six months ago, is on course for Mars. The Beagle 2 Lander detached from the orbiter but has not been heard from since entering the Martian atmosphere. Efforts to locate its signal using NASA's Mars Odyssey have been unsuccessful. Mars Express is adjusting its orbit to take over relay duties. Meanwhile, NASA's Spirit Rover has successfully landed in the Gustav crater, with plans to explore the area believed to have once contained water.

What was the primary goal of the Beagle 2 Lander after detaching from the Mars Express orbiter?

• To return to Earth

• To orbit Mars

• To explore the Martian poles

• To land near the Martian equator

Which orbiter is being used as a radio relay to search for signals from Beagle 2?

• Mars Express

• NASA Mars Odyssey

• Voyager 1

• Hubble Space Telescope

What is the current status of Mars Express's orbit?

• It is in a circular polar orbit

• It is in a highly elliptical orbit

• It has landed on Mars

• It is orbiting Earth

What is the main challenge faced by mission controllers regarding Beagle 2?

• Interference from other spacecraft

• Insufficient fuel for Mars Express

• Lack of communication during entry and landing

• Technical issues with the NASA Mars Odyssey

Where has NASA's Spirit Rover landed on Mars?

• Isidis Planetea

• Gustav crater

• Valles Marineris

• Olympus Mons