BERLIN -- taken by its Trace Gas Orbiter showing the ice-covered edge of a vast Martian crater.
Scientists combined three pictures of the Korolev Crater taken from an altitude of 400 kilometres (249 miles) on April 15.
Lead researcher Nicolas Thomas said Thursday the colours in the resulting image were also adjusted to best resemble those visible to the human eye.
The camera used is one of four instruments on board the orbiter, which is designed to look for gases such as methane that could indicate biological or geological activity on Mars. The orbiter begins its mission to look for the trace gases this month.
Thomas said the camera will allow scientists to inspect areas where gases are found, monitor Mars for signs of change and help scout the planet for future landing sites.
Europe plans to land its own rover on Mars in 2021. A European test lander crashed on the surface of Mars in 2016.
Hope you like my first postcard from my new orbit around ! It shows the icy rim of Korolev Crater at very high northern latitudes. (Image approx. 10x40 km). Be sure to download the full res version for max wow factor! ➡️
— ExoMars orbiter (@ESA_TGO)