ExoMars rover on the surface of Mars, artwork. ExoMars (Exobiology in Mars) is a mission originally developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). It is now part of the Mars Joint Exploration Initiative between NASA and the ESA, and is planned for launch in 2018. It involves a robotic rover being landed on the surface of Mars. The rover will carry out geological and biological experiments to analyse the rocks and soil, while also looking for signs of past and present life. The rover will be powered by solar panels, and will be able to operate independently using optical sensors, as well as being controlled from Earth.