After Asterix, the first French satellite launched in 1965, the first Franco-German rover, called Idéfix, set off for space in turn on October 19, 2026, toward Phobos, an unexplored moon of Mars, aboard the MMX mission!
Designed by CNES and DLR (the German space agency), Idefix will be the first explorer to traverse the still unknown surface of Phobos. It will help understand the terrain and transmit precious information to prepare for the MMX probe, which will in turn land there to collect samples and bring them back to Earth.
Let’s hope Idefix finds some nice trees to protect along the way.
But Idefix is not just a scout. It also represents a major technological breakthrough. The first rover to operate on a surface with such low gravity, it will pave the way for new methods of space exploration and test innovative technologies intended for future interplanetary missions.
Idefix doesn’t arrive empty-pawed! It carries with it a memory card containing photos from around the world. A keepsake for the future explorers of Phobos.
A mission worthy of the greatest Gallic adventures. Safe travels, Idefix!
