NASA Adapts Mars Sample Return Mission to Overcome Delays and Cost Overruns
NASA Adapts Mars Sample Return Mission to Overcome Delays and Cost Overruns
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NASA is currently working on new plans to retrieve the cache of potential evidence of life on Mars. The original Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission faced significant delays and cost overruns, making the initial plan impractical. The agency is now seeking innovative solutions to bring the samples back to Earth more efficiently and cost-effectively.
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One of the primary changes in the new plans involves the Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL). Initially, the SRL was expected to carry two sample-retrieval helicopters, but these have been removed to reduce complexity and cost. Instead, NASA is exploring the possibility of using the Perseverance rover to transport the samples to the SRL. This rover has already been collecting and caching samples on Mars, and it is expected to return to the SRL to deliver those samples once it completes its current tasks.The SRL itself will be powered by a radioisotope power source rather than solar power to ensure its resilience in the harsh Martian environment. This change aims to increase the reliability of the mission by reducing the dependency on sunlight, which can be limited in certain Martian conditions.NASA is also considering a smaller and cheaper Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV). The MAV is crucial for launching the collected samples from Mars' surface into orbit, where they will be retrieved by a spacecraft from the European Space Agency (ESA). The ESA spacecraft will then transport the samples back to Earth, with a launch planned for 2030.Additionally, NASA is opening up the planning process to include ideas from private industry and other research centers. The agency plans to release a solicitation for new ideas and will hold an industry day to gather more innovative solutions. The goal is to finalize the new plan by late fall or early winter of 2024, allowing for a more streamlined and effective approach to returning the Martian samples.
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Overall, NASA remains committed to the MSR mission despite its challenges. The agency is focused on finding a cost-effective and feasible way to bring back the samples, which could provide critical insights into the geological history of Mars, its climate evolution, and the potential for ancient life.
