NASA mulls new strategies for Mars sample return mission
NASA has announced potential plans to retrieve rock samples from Mars. Scientists aim to investigate whether extraterrestrial life exists on the Red Planet. Bringing back the Perseverance rover, which has been gathering materials from the bottom of a Martian lake since 2021, poses a significant challenge.
The recovery of Martian samples was initially planned for 2033. However, delays and rising costs have led the space agency to re-evaluate the return scenarios. In 2026, the agency will decide on one of two landing strategies to facilitate further examination of these valuable samples.
Samples from the bottom of a mysterious lake will aid scientists
The depths of an ancient Martian lake may hold numerous secrets. Rocks from this location could provide insights into potential life on Mars, but NASA has yet to determine the best method to return these samples for further analysis.
The original plan to return samples from Mars anticipated collection by the Perseverance rover by 2033. In a statement released on 7th January, the agency announced it is exploring two alternative landing strategies for sample retrieval. A final decision on the chosen strategy is scheduled for 2026.
"Pursuing two potential development paths will ensure NASA can return these samples from Mars with significant cost and schedule savings compared to the previous plan. These samples can potentially change how we understand Mars, our universe, and ultimately ourselves," reads a statement from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
Determining the existence of extraterrestrial life on Mars
For centuries, people have looked at the Red Planet with curiosity, yet despite cosmic expansion, we still lack knowledge about life on Mars. If extraterrestrial life existed there, the Perseverance rover might have already discovered signs within the bed of Jezero Crater. Until NASA completes the sample return, we will not know what secrets these cosmic samples hold. Initially, the programme was projected to cost 7 billion dollars (£5.7 billion); however, the mission's budget has increased to 11 billion dollars (£9 billion), causing project delays. The anticipated price rise was expected to postpone the mission to 2040, but the agency has announced a programme review.
Scenarios for sample recovery
The first proposal relies on a proven landing system that uses a rocket-powered sky crane and cables to accurately lower the lander. NASA previously used this method to land the Perseverance rover on Mars. The cost estimate for this option is between 7 and 8 billion dollars (£5.7 £6.5 billion).
The agency's alternative is to exploit modern commercial solutions offered by the private sector. The projected cost ranges from 6 to 8 billion dollars (£4.9 £6.5 billion). To protect technology and projects, NASA has not disclosed details of this second option.
Regardless of the chosen strategy, the landing system will employ a modified version of the Mars Ascent Vehicle, transporting the rock samples to Mars' orbit. The samples will eventually be transported to Earth with assistance from the Earth Return Orbiter, developed by the European Space Agency. The launch of this spacecraft is planned for 2027 at the earliest.
