Mars mission a step closer as Rosalind Franklin rover passes another test An artist’s impression of the Rosalind Franklin Mars rover (ESA) A Mars rover built in the UK has taken a step closer towards its mission to search for life on the red planet after its upgraded parachute and bag system passed a series of tests. The checks on the equipment were conducted by Nasa in California to determine whether it is fit for use in the harsh conditions of our neighbouring planet. Formerly known as ExoMars, the Rosalind Franklin rover is a joint mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian space agency, Roscosmos.