Nasa announced updated plans for the Mars Sample Return mission, aiming to bring back samples from Mars despite budget cuts and delays that raised the project cost to over $11 billion.
Nasa’s administrator Bill Nelson highlighted that the samples could change our understanding of Mars, the universe, and humanity. He explained two new strategies for the mission: one involving the “flying crane” method used in past Mars rover landings, and the other introducing new approaches from commercial partners. The goal is to bring the Martian samples back to Earth by 2035-2039 at a reduced cost and improved efficiency.
Nasa made technological updates by choosing a smaller nuclear-powered vehicle to transport samples to Mars instead of using solar panels to withstand dust storms. The rover Perseverance collected and stored samples in 30 tubes, which are expected to provide valuable scientific insights.
The material will provide insights beyond imagination and studying these samples in top laboratories on Earth will help understand Mars’ geological and climatic past, aiding in preparations for sending humans to the planet safely, stated Nicky Fox, head of the NASA Science Mission Board.