The Beagle 2 Team
Beagle 2 was the UK’s first mission to another planet. The project was a partnership
between The Open University, the University of Leicester and EADS Astrium (UK)
(now Airbus Defence and Space). Other funding partners included the European
Space Agency (ESA), the Office of Science and Technology of the Department of
Trade and Industry, the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC),
the Wellcome Trust, the National Space Centre and the Millennium Commission.
See
http://www.beagle2.com/ and http://beagle2.open.ac.uk/
Please note these websites have not been maintained. Further details on Beagle 2
are available from The Guide to Beagle 2 by Colin Pillinger, Mark Sims and Jim
Clemmet Open University 2003.
A list of members of the science team, key team members and companies involved
in Beagle 2 follow.
Beagle 2 Science Team and Instruments
Project Scientist and Principal Investigator (PI): Professor Colin Pillinger Open
University UK*
Gas Analysis Package (GAP): Open University (OU) UK, PI: Professor Ian Wright
OU
Sample Handling and Distribution System for GAP: Max Planck Institüt fur
Aeronomie Lindau Germany, PI: Professor Fred Goessmann
Stereo Camera System: Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) UK, Space-X
Switzerland, University of Leicester UK, PI: Professor Andrew Coates MSSL
Sampling Mole (PLUTO (Planetary Underground Tool)): DLR Cologne Germany, PI:
Dr. Lutz Richter DLR (now at OHB System)
Rock Corer Grinder: Hong Kong Polytechnic University, University of Leicester, PI:
T.C. Ng
Microscope: Max Planck Institüt fur Aeronomie Germany, Space-X Switzerland,
University of Leicester UK, PI: Professor Nic Thomas MPI (now at University of Bern
Switzerland)
X-ray Spectrometer: University of Leicester UK, PI: Professor George Fraser*
Mossbauer Spectrometer, University of Mainz Germany, PI: Professor Goestar
Klingelhöfer
Environmental Sensors: Open University (OU) and University of Leicester (UL), PIs:
Professor John Zarnecki OU and Professor Mark Sims UL
Beagle 2 Calibration Target: Professor Colin Pillinger Open University and Damien
Hirst
Position Adjustable Workbench (PAW): University of Leicester UK
Robotic Arm Calibration and Operations Planning: Aberystwyth University, PI:
Professor David Barnes*
Landing Site Scientist: Dr John Bridges Open University (now at University of
Leicester)
Planetary Protection Officer: Dr Andy Spry Open University (now at NASA JPL USA)
* Professors Colin Pillinger, George Fraser and David Barnes are all deceased
Other Key Beagle 2 Team Members
Beagle 2 Public Relations: Dr Judith Pillinger Open University
Beagle 2 Mission Manager: Professor Mark Sims University of Leicester
Beagle 2 Chief Engineer (Build to Launch): Dr Jim Clemmet EADS-Astrium (Airbus
Defence and Space now) (retired)
Beagle 2 Chief Engineer (Flight Operations): Stuart Hurst EADS-Astrium (Airbus
Defence and Space now)
Beagle 2 Project Managers: Barrie Kirk and John Thatcher (EADS-Astrium (Airbus
Defence and Space now) (retired)
Industrial Companies Involved in Beagle 2
Astrium Ltd (now Airbus Defence and Space): Industrial prime contractor responsible
for:
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Programme management of around 50 subcontractors (80% UK)
System engineering and AIV
Design & development of lander structure, solar panel substrate and probe back cover
Design, development, manufacture and test of:
Common electronics and harness, Instrument arm, Main hinge, Solar panel hinges
Clampband, Pyro & frangi bolt unit
 Design of main parachute
AEA Technology
Insys
Pioneer
Mechanism support and
Spin up and ejection
Pilot parachute
battery
mechanism
Analyticon
ILC Dover
Pyroalliance
Parachute support
Gas filled bag
Aeroshell release mechanism
Atomic Weapons
Irvin Aerospace
Quantic
Establishment
Parachute testing and
Initiators & AGS cutters
Vibration testing
assistance with design
Cape Engineering
Isotech
RAL
Mass dummies
Switches
Thermal design/test
Cinch Connectors
Kendall Hyde
RA Rodrigues
Connectors
Gold plating
Bearings in instrument arm
Cranfield Impact Centre
Laser International
Roke Manor Research
Impact modelling
Logistics
Radar altimeter trigger
CTS
Leafield Engineering
Saint Engineering
Back cover manufacture
Pyros
Machinings
DBC Tools
Lindstrand Balloons
SEA
Machinings
Parachute manufacture
Processor/EGSE
EADS
Logica
Scisys
Front shield & back cover
Probe & common software
Lander software
thermal protection
EPS
Martin Baker
Sonaco
MGSE
EDLS consultants
Heatshield structures
Eurofad
Maxon Motors
Spargo
Potentiometers
Motors
Grinding
Fluid Gravity
McLaren Composites
Spectrolab
Entry aerodynamic analysis
Lander structure manufacture
Solar array (electrical)
General Dynamics
Model Models
UPCO
Airbag gassing system
Models
PDD cartridge
G&H Technology
MSC
Warberry Communications
Umbilical connector
Solid modelling
RF electronics
Heason
Northern Engineering
W S Atkins
Harmonic drive
Machining
Airbag impact analysis
Hubert Noehren
Pall Aerospace
Parachute consultant
HEPA filter
Hybrid Technology
Poeton
Plasma processing
Processes