NASA Revises Mars Sample Return Mission, Seeks Cost-Effective Designs
NASA is undertaking a significant revision of its Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, prompted by concerns over the estimated cost and the extended timeline for the return of samples. The goal of the mission is to collect samples of rock, soil, atmosphere, and loose surface material from Mars using the Mars Perseverance rover and return them to Earth. However, independent reviews have projected that the mission could cost between $8 billion and $11 billion, with the current design not expected to deliver samples until 2040.
In light of these concerns, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has announced that the agency will not pursue the originally planned $11 billion architecture. Instead, NASA is soliciting input and alternate plans from its centers, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and industry partners to streamline the mission. The revised plans are expected to reduce complexity, enhance resiliency, and improve risk management, with a focus on stronger accountability and coordination.
The future of the MSR mission has been under review since September 2023, following an independent review board's analysis. NASA aims to align the mission with the current budget environment while still achieving the primary scientific objectives. The agency's response to the independent review board report underscores the need for innovation and proven technology to successfully return Mars samples within a more feasible budgetary and temporal framework.
