NASA is currently evaluating two innovative approaches to retrieve samples from Mars, collected by the Perseverance rover, with a decision expected in the next 18 months. The samples, which include approximately 30 sealed tubes containing rock cores and sediment, hold the potential to provide significant insights into Mars' geological history and the possibility of past life on the planet.
The original cost estimate for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign, a joint initiative with the European Space Agency (ESA), has escalated from $3 billion in 2020 to a staggering $8 billion to $11 billion today. Consequently, NASA's leadership has deemed this situation unacceptable and is seeking new, cost-effective strategies for the mission.
In a recent announcement, NASA chief Bill Nelson revealed that the agency is considering two distinct architectures for the MSR mission. The first option involves a rocket-powered 'sky crane' similar to the systems used for previous rover landings, while the second option would leverage private industry for the landing system.
The sky crane approach is estimated to cost between $6.6 billion and $7.7 billion, whereas the commercial option is projected to be slightly cheaper, ranging from $5.8 billion to $7.1 billion. Both strategies aim to simplify and expedite the mission, potentially allowing the samples to return to Earth as early as 2035, contingent upon adequate funding from Congress.
Both options will deploy a lander equipped with a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) to retrieve the samples. The MAV will launch the samples into Mars orbit, where they will rendezvous with an ESA spacecraft for the journey back to Earth. The new design includes a nuclear power source, providing operational advantages during dust storms and ensuring the MAV's solid rocket motors remain warm.
NASA is committed to researching both landing options and plans to make a definitive decision by mid-2026. Meanwhile, China's own Mars sample-return mission is set for 2028, which could return samples to Earth as early as 2031, although its focus will be more limited compared to Perseverance's broader sampling strategy.