NASA Evaluates Two Landing Plans for Mars Sample Return Mission
January 07, 2025
To enhance the chances of successfully bringing Martian rock and sediment samples to Earth, NASA has unveiled a new dual-path approach for its Mars Sample Return Program. By pursuing two landing strategies simultaneously during the planning phase, the agency aims to foster innovation, drive competition, and achieve cost and schedule efficiencies.
NASA will eventually select a single strategy for the mission, which seeks to uncover the mysteries of Mars and assess whether the planet once harbored life. The final program design is expected to be confirmed by the second half of 2026.
“Adopting two potential approaches ensures we can bring these invaluable samples back from Mars more efficiently and affordably than initially planned,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “These samples hold the potential to transform our understanding of Mars, the universe, and even ourselves. I extend my gratitude to the NASA team and the Strategic Review team, led by Dr. Maria Zuber, for their exceptional work.”
In September 2024, NASA reviewed 11 studies submitted by industry and the scientific community, each outlining strategies for safely returning Martian samples. The Mars Sample Return Strategic Review team carefully analyzed these proposals and provided recommendations on the most viable path forward, including cost and timeline projections.
This dual-path strategy underscores NASA’s commitment to advancing planetary science while ensuring efficient and innovative solutions for one of the most ambitious space missions to date.
CREDITS: NASA