The Mars Sample Return Program aims to unlock secrets of the universe and address fundamental questions about the possibility of past life on Mars. A definitive decision on the program's design is anticipated in late 2026.
"Pursuing two potential paths forward will ensure that NASA is able to bring these samples back from Mars with significant cost and schedule saving compared to the previous plan," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "These samples have the potential to change the way we understand Mars, our universe, and - ultimately - ourselves. I'd like to thank the team at NASA and the strategic review team, led by Dr. Maria Zuber, for their work."
In September 2024, NASA received 11 proposals from the scientific community and industry outlining potential strategies for the safe return of Martian samples. Following these submissions, a strategic review team evaluated the proposals and recommended a primary architecture for the campaign, incorporating cost and timeline considerations.
"NASA's rovers are enduring Mars' harsh environment to collect important science samples," said Nicky Fox, who leads NASA's Science Mission Directorate. "We want to bring those back as quickly as possible to study them in state-of-the-art facilities. Mars Sample Return will allow scientists to understand the planet's geological history and the evolution of climate on this barren planet where life may have existed in the past and shed light on the early solar system before life began here on Earth. This will also prepare us to safely send the first human explorers to Mars."
The program will evaluate two distinct approaches for landing the payload platform on Mars. The first utilizes the sky crane system, which proved successful during the Curiosity and Perseverance rover missions. The second explores emerging commercial capabilities for delivering the lander payload to Mars' surface.
Regardless of the chosen approach, the mission's landed platform will include a scaled-down Mars Ascent Vehicle. To enhance resilience during Mars' challenging dust storm season, solar panels will be replaced with a radioisotope power system, which can provide consistent power and heat, simplifying mission complexity.
The orbiting sample container will house 30 sample tubes filled with materials collected by the Perseverance rover. A redesign of the sample loading system on the lander minimizes risks associated with backward planetary protection by reducing the potential for dust contamination on the sample container's exterior.
Both mission designs depend on a capture, containment, and return system aboard ESA's Earth Return Orbiter to retrieve the orbiting sample container in Mars orbit. ESA is currently reviewing NASA's proposed plans.
Mars Sample Return Strategic Review
https://science.nasa.gov/missions/mars-sample-return/new-team-to-assess-nasas-mars-sample-return-architecture-proposals/
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