NASA Considers Revamping Mars Sample Return Program
NASA is shaking up its Mars Sample Return (MSR) program with a new proposal to drastically reduce the number of samples brought back from the Red Planet. The original plan to bring back a large number of samples has been scaled back to as few as 10 sample tubes in an effort to cut costs and speed up the timeline.
The agency recently released a call for proposals titled “Rapid Mission Design Studies for Mars Sample Return” in search of ideas on how to streamline the process of returning samples from Mars. The current baseline approach is estimated to cost up to $11 billion and would not deliver samples until 2040, a timeline that NASA finds unacceptable.
The proposed alternative architectures could incorporate elements from the existing MSR program and the Artemis program, as well as new capabilities. However, any mission design must still meet the strict planetary protection requirements and bring back at least 10 samples collected by the Perseverance rover.
While some scientists are expressing private concerns about the potential decrease in scientific value with only 10 samples being returned, NASA is moving forward with the proposal. Proposals for mission studies are due by May 17, and awards of up to $1.5 million each are expected to be granted.
The outcome of these studies will play a key role in NASA’s decision on how to revamp the MSR program. It remains unclear what advantages the winners of the study contracts will have in the ultimate assessment. Stay tuned for more updates on this innovative project.
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