The end of 2003 and early 2004 will see a true scientific invasion of Mars as no fewer than six international spacecraft chart a course to the planet within a short time. Europe has waited a long time for the opportunity to mount its own mission to Mars and that dream is about to become a reality. Mars Express, the name of ESA's Mars mission for 2003, marks the opening of a new era for Europe in planetary exploration.

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The symbol of Ferrari's extraordinary success, its red paint 'Rosso Corsa', has been given the green light to go into space, as it was declared officially 'space qualified' at a formal ceremony held today at INTESPACE in Toulouse, France. A specially constructed glass globe, known as FRED, containing the sample of paint was then integrated on to the Mars Express spacecraft, in readiness for the fastest journey Ferrari has ever made.

Mars Express comprises a number of essential components - the spacecraft and its instruments, the lander, a network of ground and data processing stations, and the launcher itself.

The mission's main objective is to search for sub-surface water from orbit and drop a lander on the Martian surface. Seven scientific instruments onboard the orbiting spacecraft will perform a series of remote sensing experiments designed to shed new light on the Martian atmosphere, the planet's structure and geology.

For more information please visit the Red Encounter website and the this ESA news site.