Mystery of the Beagle 2: Investigating the Failed Mars Mission

The Beagle 2 Explorer, a mission to Mars launched in 2003, mysteriously vanished after separating from the Mars Express spacecraft. A six-month inquiry report suggests that a failure likely occurred during descent or landing, but no definitive conclusions can be drawn due to lack of data. The European Space Agency proposes that the Martian atmosphere may have been thinner than expected, affecting the deployment of Beagle 2's parachutes. The report recommends carrying descent monitoring transmitters on future landers and advocating for public funding for high-risk missions.