The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) has awarded £1.7m for UK research into technology for the European Space Agency's (ESA) ExoMars mission.
The mission involves sending a lander to the surface of Mars to explore the planet for signs of life and conduct other experiments into conditions there.
Professor Keith Mason, PPARC's chief executive, says the ExoMars mission is will conduct vital work on the surface of Mars.
'This funding will position our scientists and engineers to win leading roles in instruments and technology in the ExoMars mission,' he said.
Among those receiving grants are Leicester and Cranfield universities, who will jointly develop a Life Marker Chip to look for biological molecules, and Imperial College London, who will make a microseismometer to measure Marsquakes.
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