On January 7, NASA announced its plans to explore two distinct approaches for retrieving samples from Mars. This pivotal decision marks the beginning of an in-depth study set to span the next 18 months, focusing on samples currently being gathered by the Perseverance rover. The agency’s ambition is to bring these samples back to Earth by as early as 2035, offering valuable insights into Mars’ history and potential habitability.
NASA’s Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission is considering two architectural options with notable differences in landing mechanisms. One option involves utilizing the renowned ‘sky crane’ technology developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which previously aided in landing the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers on Mars. This approach is estimated to cost between $6.6 billion and $7.7 billion.
Conversely, the second option involves a commercially provided heavy lander, with projected costs ranging from $5.8 billion to $7.1 billion. The specific commercial partners have not been disclosed, but companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX were awarded study contracts in 2024 to explore their technologies for this endeavor.
Both options share common technological upgrades, such as a redesigned sample retrieval lander using a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) for power instead of solar panels. This change aims to simplify operations and mitigate the challenges posed by Martian dust storms. Additionally, a revised sample loading system will prevent contamination, ensuring sample integrity upon their return to Earth.
The landing platform must accommodate a smaller Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) to launch collected samples into orbit. These will then be retrieved by a European Earth Return Orbiter and ultimately brought back to Earth. The development of these systems is crucial, as NASA aims to refine these architectures by mid-2026.
Budget considerations play a significant role in the mission’s timeline. While NASA requested funds from Congress, the fiscal landscape remains uncertain. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the importance of Congress allocating a minimum of $300 million in the 2025 appropriations to maintain momentum in the MSR mission. A larger budget would potentially accelerate the timeline, allowing the samples to be returned sooner than the projected 2035.
The Chinese space agency’s plans to return Mars samples as early as 2028 have stirred competitive discussions. However, Nelson highlighted that NASA’s method provides a more comprehensive scientific approach, focusing on samples specifically selected for their potential to reveal Mars’ past habitability.
In her address at a recent forum, Laurie Leshin, JPL Director, underscored the scientific significance of the samples collected by Perseverance. She noted one particular sample that hinted at ancient biosignatures, emphasizing the importance of retrieving these materials for detailed analysis on Earth.
NASA’s commitment to exploring these two architectural paths for the Mars Sample Return mission underscores its dedication to advancing our understanding of the Red Planet. With potential insights into Mars’ past environment and the possibility of life, the mission stands as a cornerstone for future Mars exploration. The chosen approach will not only determine logistical strategies but could redefine our scientific comprehension of extraterrestrial environments.
Source: Spacenews
