The Schiaparelli Lander is scheduled to separate from ExoMars this Sunday. The lander will carry out a wide range of tests including technologies for the controlled descent and landing on Mars. The entire exercise will be captured using an Entry and Descent Module Descent Camera (DECA).

The Schiaparelli lander is equipped with a "small science package," which will be used for measuring wind speed, temperature, humidity, and pressure of its landing site. The package will also measure electric fields on the red planet. These measurements may help in understanding the phenomenon behind the dust storms.

The Schiaparelli was launched in March this year. It is equipped with landing sensors which will record the performance of ESA technologies. These technologies include radar Doppler, parachute, and a thermal protection system. Its brake system uses liquid propulsion for the purpose of controlling the landing.  

The landing zone for Schiaparelli is the Maridiani Planum, which is close to Mars' equator. The landing site is believed to contain an iron oxide which may help in determining the existence of liquid water on the planet.

Schiaparelli will separate from the Orbiter three days before its scheduled descent. It will go into hibernation mode during its travel to Mars to conserve the power. However, it will be reactivated a few hours before its scheduled descent. Upon its landing, Schiaparelli will have nearly eight Martian days to conduct various experiments.

The European Space Agency will live stream updates of the descent. It will also provide updates through its Twitter account. The landing time is set for 14:48:11 GMT on October 19.