Mars Express: Not Always in Touch (IMAGE) European Space Agency Caption This is an artist's impression of Mars Express. The spacecraft left Earth for Mars on June 2, 2003. It reached its destination after a six-month journey, and has been investigating the planet since early 2004. Credit Credits: ESA - D. Ducros Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.