ArianeGroup is a European launch-vehicle and propulsion manufacturer (an Airbus/Safran joint venture). It is building the rosalind-franklin-rover’s Front Shield and Norcoat Liège HPK cork thermal protection system, which must withstand Martian atmospheric-entry speeds near 21,000 km/h and temperatures up to 1,800°C. The shield entered integration in July 2026 after passing vibration testing.