NASA has announced a strategic turning point in its ambitious Mars Sample Return programdesigned to bring back to earth Rock samples and sediments collected on Mars from the rover perseverance. To maximize the chances of success and optimize times and costs, the American space agency opted for a two -way approach. This decision underlines NASA’s commitment to guarantee the success of this crucial scientific mission, encouraging the competition and innovation between the industrial partners to select the most effective and reliable solution.
Two options to save time and money. “Follow Two possible paths will guarantee NASA to bring these samples back from Mars with Mars with a significant savings of costs and times Compared to the previous plan, “said Nasa Bill Nelson’s administrator. «These samples have the potential for change the way we understand Marsours Universe And, ultimately, ourselves. “
So the recovery of the Martian champions will take place
The new plan provision the exploration and evaluation of two main approaches for the recovery of Marzian champions. The first approach consists in the use of tested entry, descent and landing systems, such as the method Sky Crane Successfully employed in the curiosity and perseverance missions.
Commercial partners. This method provides for a sort of crane which, a few meters from the Martian surface, deposits the probe destined to collect the champions and bring them back to Earth. The Second approach is based on collaboration with commercial partners To develop new delivery capabilities of the payload to the probe that will land on Mars, opening the way to more efficient and potentially cheaper solutions.
Both options are based on Tested key elements and on promising new technologies. The landing platform will transport a reduced version of the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV)the rocket that will launch the Martian champions in orbit around Mars. The samples container will contain 30 test tubes collected by the Rover Perseverance.
A dust stormy proof feeding system
THE solar panels will be replaced by a system of power supply on radioisotopi, capable of providing energy And heat even during the Martian dust storms. The system of Loading of the samples It will be redesigned to simplify the planetary protection measures, essential to prevent the contamination of the earth with Martian material.
The mission makes use of the collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), which will provide the Earth Return Orbiter, the space vehicle in charge of capturing the container with samples in Martian orbit and bringing it back to Earth.
Next deadline: second half of 2026
NASA plans to confirm the program and the Definitive design in the second half of 2026. In the meantime, the team of experts in charge of evaluating the different proposals will continue its work, with the aim of recommending optimal architecture for this historic mission.
The mission Mars Sample Return represents a fundamental step in theexploration of the red planet. The Martian champions, once reported on Earth, will be analyzed with cutting -edge tools, offering scientists the unique opportunity to study closely geologyThe climate and the possible presence of Past life on Mars.
