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 scrapping its original $11 billion plan, which would have taken until 2040, NASA has selected two alternative strategies to pursue.
The first approach involves 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 involves partnering with commercial companies like SpaceX or Blue Origin to devise 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.
