Europe-Russian probe enters Mars atmosphere, lander chute deploys but fate on surface a mystery

DARMSTADT, GERMANY/HESSEN GERMANY – Scientists were waiting for word Wednesday on whether the European Space Agency's experimental Schiaparelli probe had safely touched down on Mars. Signals received from the lander indicated that it entered the atmosphere of the red planet as planned and deployed its parachute. Schiaparelli is meant to test technology for a future European rover and avoid the fate of Europe's ill-starred Beagle 2 robot, which failed to function after landing on Mars 13 years ago. The probe is part of a larger mission called ExoMars that will help in the hunt for life on the planet. Schiaparelli was released from the mother ship, the Trace Gas Orbiter, on Sunday.