OU space researchers awarded £1.2 Million to advance imaging technology supporting the future human exploration of Mars

Posted on 11 December 2025 • Science, maths, computing and technology

Professor Manish Patel from The Open University (OU) has been awarded £1.2 million in new funding from the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to continue developing cutting-edge imaging technology that will play a central role in future human exploration of Mars.

The funding supports the next phase of work on a combined visible-infrared (IR) imager for the next phase of Mars exploration, including missions such as the ESA LightShip-1 mission or the International Mars Ice Mapper (I-MIM) mission – a pioneering international collaboration led by the space agencies of Canada, the USA, Japan, Italy and the Netherlands, with the OU representing the UK in partnership with the University of Bern, Switzerland.

These missions will map and characterise near-surface water ice on Mars in the warmer near-equatorial regions, providing vital data to support the planning of future human landing sites. The instrument will supply colour, stereo and compositional images of the martian surface, revealing where water ice is most accessible and informing how it may be used by future astronauts.

Professor Patel, who leads the OU Atmospheric Research and Surface Exploration group said:

“This new phase of funding allows us to take the next critical step in building the UK’s contribution to the next generation of Mars exploration. The imager we are helping develop will transform how we see Mars – from its surface composition to its hidden ice reserves and help plan for the first human missions to the planet.”

Cutting-edge technology

At the heart of the instrument is a state-of-the-art visible-IR detector being developed in collaboration with Teledyne e2v. This advanced detector technology, which can simultaneously image Mars across both visible and infrared wavelengths, will not only deliver unprecedented new Mars science but also develop a new UK capability for space-qualified detectors. The technology has broad potential applications in planetary science, astronomy and Earth observation, making the UK a global partner of choice for future space missions.

The project builds on the OU and University of Bern’s success with the CaSSIS camera aboard the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, continuing a long-standing partnership that has helped bring the UK to the forefront of Mars imaging.

Professor Patel added:

“Images from Mars have an extraordinary power to inspire. Just as CaSSIS has brought Mars to life in colour for millions of people, this work will continue that story — helping the public to connect with the science that is paving the way for human exploration.”

The new funding ensures the UK remains at the centre of Mars exploration strategy and sustains vital expertise developed through the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover programme. The OU team’s work will also feed into other major UK space initiatives, which could use similar detector technology.

Martyna Hodges, who is the Spaceflight Project Manager for this work, said:

“This project will not only advance our understanding of Mars’ climate and geology but also support the next generation of UK scientists and engineers, who will play leading roles in future missions.”

Through this research, the OU will continue to play a leading role in the exploration of Mars, and maintain a key voice in one of the most ambitious steps yet towards humans on Mars.

Header image credit: ESA/Roscosmos/CaSSIS