NASA Proposes Cheaper, Quicker Mars Sample Return Options
NASA is proposing two revised options for retrieving samples from Mars, after its original plan was estimated to cost $11 billion. Administrator Bill Nelson presented the new scenarios, which are expected to cost between $6 billion and $7 billion, and would return 30 titanium tubes of Martian samples to Earth in the 2030s.
The space agency has been asking for better options to ensure the samples collected by its Perseverance rover, which have been stored in cigar-size tubes since its 2021 landing, are returned to Earth in the 2030s. NASA wants to return the samples at the cheapest price possible.
The two proposed options include a traditional approach using the same landing method as NASA’s Perseverance and Curiosity rovers, and a second option featuring innovative designs from commercial partners. Both options would simplify the process by cleaning the sample tubes on the Martian surface rather than in the returning spacecraft.
NASA officials stress that both options would also use nuclear power to endure Martian dust storms, instead of relying on solar power.
A final decision on the best option is expected to be made next year after engineering studies lay out the details of each plan. NASA administrator Bill Nelson handed over the responsibility to the incoming administration, led by President-elect Donald Trump, who has nominated tech billionaire Jared Isaacman as his replacement.
The goal of the sample return mission is to analyze the samples from Mars’ long-dry river delta for signs of ancient, microscopic Martian life. The samples are considered a high-priority scientific priority.
