The landing site has been chosen for the European spacecraft that will touch down on the surface of Mars in 2003. Beagle 2, which is being built by UK scientists and engineers, will land on Isidis Planitia, a large flat region that overlies the boundary between the ancient highlands and the northern plains of the Red Planet. The area appears to be a sedimentary basin where traces of life could have been preserved – if it ever developed on Mars. Beagle 2 is flying as part of the Mars Express mission, which also includes a weather satellite.