On this day in space! Oct. 19, 2016: Europe's ExoMars orbiter and Schiaparelli lander arrive at Mars

On October 19, 2016, a significant milestone occurred as the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ExoMars orbiter successfully reached Mars. This marked the arrival of both the orbiter and its accompanying lander, named Schiaparelli. The mission represented Europe’s first attempt to deploy an interplanetary probe to orbit and subsequently touch down on the Red Planet. Schiaparelli was designed to test technologies crucial for future sample return missions, including parachute deployment and heat shield performance. Scientists eagerly anticipated data transmitted by Schiaparelli during its descent and subsequent operations, furthering our understanding of Mars' atmosphere.