On Oct. 3, 2026, the final day of a two-week field campaign in Tabernas, Almería, a field observation described Charlie moving so slowly across firm, uneven ground that covering one meter would have taken more than an hour. The six-wheeled machine is a ground prototype whose tests are intended to inform ExoMars Rosalind Franklin—not the rover planned to fly to Mars.
Charlie’s final day in Tabernas
Charlie’s reported pace came from an observation on firm, uneven terrain. The campaign’s final day was Oct. 3, 2026. ESA had announced Oct. 1 as a field-trial day; NeoTeo’s earlier account of that announced trial day and the remote-control plan provides background on the campaign.
What the Almería campaign tested
The trials took Charlie across fine dust, rocky scree and salt-encrusted ground. The rover was controlled remotely by satellite from the Rover Operations Control Centre in Turin, Italy. The campaign also tested autonomous navigation and simulated science activities planned for Rosalind Franklin.
Charlie is a prototype, not the Mars rover
Charlie will not fly to Mars. Its field trials are intended to inform ExoMars Rosalind Franklin, the planned flight rover. Airbus representative Jeremy Close said the two vehicles share their wheels, mast and base.
Rosalind Franklin is planned to launch in 2028 and is expected to reach Mars in early 2030. Mission plans call for it to drill about two meters below the surface and analyze samples in an onboard laboratory.
