By Pierre Bertrand


Thales Alenia Space said it has signed a framework contract with the European Space Agency for its mission to search for life on Mars.

The company said the multi-tranche agreement is worth a total of 522 million euros ($567 million) and relates to the development of the entry, descent and landing module for the agency's mission to the planet.

The contract also includes work on the mission's rover, upgrades and maintenance work, said the company, which is a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo.

The mission to the planet is set to launch from the U.S. between October and December 2028, Thales Alenia said.


Write to Pierre Bertrand at pierre.bertrand@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-09-24 0314ET