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NASA has announced a major update to its Mars Sample Return program, aiming to bring Martian samples back to Earth as early as 2035. After removing its original $11 billion plan, which would have taken until 2040, NASA has selected two workable alternative strategies to pursue.
The first approach will involve using NASA’s existing “sky crane” architecture, which successfully landed Curiosity and Perseverance on Mars. This method could allow for a simpler and more cost-effective retrieval process.
The second approach will involve partnering with commercial companies like SpaceX or Blue Origin to explore their own retrieval methodologies. This option could bring the samples back to Earth as early as 2035, with a total program cost estimated between $5.8 and $7.1 billion.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the need for a more efficient and cost-effective plan, stating that the original strategy was “simply unacceptable.” The agency will continue to explore both options, with the goal of selecting the winning strategy to bring the Martian samples back to Earth.
Meanwhile, China is progressing with its own Mars sample return mission, potentially launching as early as 2028. Nelson downplayed comparisons, highlighting the scientific depth of NASA’s mission compared to China’s simpler “grab-and-go” approach. “You cannot compare the two—ours is an extremely well-thought-out mission created by the scientific community of the world,” he said.
Ultimately, NASA’s plans depend on funding and congressional support, with Nelson urging at least US$300 million to be allocated for fiscal year 2025. The proposed mission has drawn significant attention for its potential to answer key questions about Mars’ history and its contribution to advancing humanity’s long-term exploration goals.
