The Beagle 2 Mars lander successfully separated from its mothership at 0831 GMT on Friday, to begin its solo voyage towards a touchdown on Christmas Day.

The European Space Agency's Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Germany received a signal that confirmed the release at 1112 GMT. The success marks a key moment in the ambitious mission.

"It's been a tense morning," said David Southwood, ESA's director of science. "But I'm feeling very confident - the mother and baby are both doing well."

8:39:30 AM       comment []