NASA overhauls plan to bring samples from Mars back to Earth
SUMMARY
NASA has overhauled its Mars Sample Return Program to cut costs, reduce technical challenges, and expedite timelines. The agency is considering two alternative options for retrieving Perseverance rover's Martian soil samples, collected since 2021. One approach mirrors the sky crane landing used for the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, while the second involves collaborating with private space companies to send a lander to Mars. NASA plans to evaluate both options before deciding in 2026. The original plan, which involved helicopters and a complex relay of spacecraft, faced delays and ballooning costs, potentially reaching $11 billion with samples arriving by 2040. The revised plan could cost $5.8–$7.7 billion, targeting a return by 2035–2039. Samples will help study Mars' geology, climate history, and potential for past life while preparing for future human missions. NASA faces scrutiny over funding and competition from China's accelerated Mars sample-return program.
