NASA and the European Space Agency are collaborating on a Mars sample return campaign, which aims to study samples collected by the Perseverance rover in Mars’ Jezero Crater. However, the project has faced setbacks including delays and cost overruns in NASA’s Mars sample-return (MSR) architecture.
An independent review board estimated the cost of MSR to be a staggering $11 billion, significantly higher than previous estimates. Moreover, with the established architecture, NASA won’t be able to bring back the samples until 2040. Due to these challenges, the agency is now seeking a new way forward to streamline the process and reduce costs, potentially by involving private industry.
One possibility for the new plan is to use a smaller and cheaper Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) and reduce the tally of samples to be returned. Despite the obstacles, MSR remains a top priority for NASA, who is determined to retrieve and study the Mars samples.
NASA Chief Bill Nelson stressed the importance of bringing the samples back to Earth and reiterated the agency’s commitment to achieving this national objective. The collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency highlights the significance of studying Mars samples and the determination to overcome challenges in order to make this ambitious project a reality. Stay tuned to KP INSIDER for updates on the Mars sample return campaign.