NASA has proposed two new approaches to deliver Martian rocks and soil back to Earth, aiming for a cost of $6-7 billion. The new plan is faster and more affordable than the original $11 billion proposal, which would have taken until 2040.
The revised approach was presented by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, who will step down as chief ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Nelson aims to return 30 titanium tubes containing samples collected by the Perseverance rover in the 2030s.
NASA is considering two options: using a traditional landing method involving a sky crane or developing a new system with private companies. Both options aim to simplify the process and reduce contamination risks.
The agency has identified challenges, including maintaining sample integrity during transit and coordinating multiple spacecraft. NASA is working on advanced containment technologies and logistics planning to overcome these obstacles.
Despite the complexities, NASA remains optimistic about the mission’s potential to revolutionize our understanding of Mars’ geology and past life.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-seeks-a-faster-way-to-bring-mars-samples-to-earth