A full-size twin of Europe's Rosalind Franklin rover rehearsed driving off its landing platform more than 20 times during a two-month test campaign on Earth, according to the European Space Agency. The model, named Amalia, practised the manoeuvre known as egress at ALTEC's facilities in Turin, Italy.

The tests recreated conditions the rover may face on Mars, including gravity about one-third of Earth's, a 20-degree incline and obstacles beneath its ramps. Teams used a ceiling device to carry two-thirds of the rover's 300 kg Earth weight, and a hydraulic platform to tilt the rover and lander. Engineers tested exits from both the front and rear pairs of three-metre ramps, made of aluminium with a honeycomb grip pattern by Polish company Astronika.

ESA rover team leader Eric Zekri said ground control will have only orbital images to judge conditions after landing, and that one exit could be blocked. "On Mars, we will only have one chance," he said. The campaign is intended to prepare for the real journey, expected to begin in 2030. Thales Alenia Space led the tests.