NASA is set to announce an update to its Mars sample return plans today, amidst high costs and delays. The agency’s current plan could reach $11 billion and timeline of 2040.
The announcement comes as the agency gears up for its first big briefing on the ambitious mission. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Associate Administrator Nicky Fox will host the press conference, which will include an update on efforts to lower cost, risk, and mission complexity.
The Mars Sample Return program is designed to return pieces of Mars to Earth for scientists to study. The Perseverance rover has already collected samples since its arrival in 2021. However, the mission’s complexity and technical challenges have risen significantly, with an estimated cost of $11 billion at its high end.
In 2020, the estimated cost was around $3 billion, but by April 2024, it had increased to that amount due to complications in the plan. A recent assessment found that NASA would likely not be able to return Perseverance’s samples until 2040.
The agency has worked to revamp its plan throughout 2024, involving industry partners and reducing costs. The new plan will include more practical proposals that speed up time and lower costs.
NASA is facing competition from China’s Mars sample return mission, which plans to launch in 2028 with a goal of returning samples in 2031. With the new update, NASA may reveal new thinking behind its plan, potentially leading to changes in cost and timeline.
The briefing will be held at 1:00 p.m. EST on January 7th, and can be listened to online via NASA’s website.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/nasa-mars-sample-return-program-update-livestream-how-to-listen