NASA has initiated design studies to facilitate the return of Martian samples to Earth by the 2030s, engaging various industry groups and its own teams. The strategy review team is tasked with evaluating 11 studies from NASA centers and industry collaborators to recommend an efficient mission architecture.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the unprecedented nature of this mission, which involves launching a rocket from Mars and safely returning samples from over 33 million miles away. The collaborative effort includes the European Space Agency (ESA) and aims to provide insights into Mars' geological history, climate evolution, and potential ancient life.
The review team's report is expected by the end of 2024, focusing on comprehensive mission designs while considering cost and schedule estimates. This initiative marks a significant milestone in international planetary exploration, with the potential to reshape our understanding of Mars.