The European Space Agency (ESA) announced the cessation of cooperation with Roscosmos in the development of the ExoMars mission because of Russia's attack on Ukraine. The agency said in an official statement.
"As an intergovernmental organization mandated to develop and implement space programs with full respect for European values, we deeply regret the loss of life and the tragic consequences of the aggression against Ukraine. Recognizing the impact on the scientific exploration of space, ESA fully supports the sanctions imposed on Russia by its member states," the press service reported
The Governing Council of ESA evaluated the situation during the meeting and unanimously decided to recognize "impossibility" of the current cooperation with Roscosmos on the ExoMars rover mission with the launch in 2022, and to authorize the general director of the agency to conduct a study and identify possible options for further implementation of the program.