When did Mars Express arrive at Mars, and what happened to Beagle 2?
Mars Express reached Mars at the end of December 2003. Six days before entering into orbit around Mars, Mars Express ejected the Beagle 2 lander. The orbiter was inserted into orbit around Mars on 25 December 2003. The Beagle 2 lander failed to make radio contact shortly after it was due to land on Mars on Christmas Day. Various attempts were made to contact the lander. However, the Beagle 2 Management Board met in London on 6 February 2004 and, following an assessment of the situation, declared Beagle 2 lost.
