To enhance the likelihood of successfully returning the first Martian rock and sediment samples to Earth, NASA announced a new strategy for its Mars Sample Return Program. This revised approach involves pursuing two distinct landing architectures simultaneously, promoting competition, fostering innovation, and potentially reducing costs and timelines.
NASA plans to select a single path forward for the program, which aims to unravel the mysteries of the universe and determine whether Mars ever harbored life. The agency expects to finalize the program design by the second half of 2026.
Two landing strategies for cost and schedule efficiency
“Pursuing two potential paths forward will ensure that NASA is able to bring these samples back from Mars with significant cost and schedule savings compared to the previous plan,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “These samples have the potential to change the way we understand Mars, our universe, and – ultimately – ourselves. I’d like to thank the team at NASA and the strategic review team, led by Dr. Maria Zuber, for their work.”
NASA’s Mars Sample Return Strategic Review team, established in 2024, assessed 11 proposals from NASA and industry experts on the best methods for retrieving Martian samples. Based on their findings, the team recommended a dual-architecture strategy for the campaign, including cost and schedule evaluations.
Scientific significance of Martian samples
“NASA’s rovers are enduring Mars’ harsh environment to collect groundbreaking science samples,” explained Nicky Fox, head of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. “We want to bring those back as quickly as possible to study them in state-of-the-art facilities. Mars Sample Return will allow scientists to understand the planet’s geological history and climate evolution. This will shed light on the early solar system before life began on Earth and help prepare us to send human explorers to Mars.”
Two landing architectures under consideration
During the program’s formulation, NASA will explore and evaluate two distinct methods for landing a payload platform on Mars:
- Sky crane method: This system, proven in the Curiosity and Perseverance missions, involves a controlled descent using cables to lower the lander onto the Martian surface.
- Commercial delivery: A new approach that leverages emerging commercial capabilities to deliver the payload.
Both options will use a smaller Mars Ascent Vehicle to launch the samples back into orbit. The platform will be powered by a radioisotope power system, ensuring reliable energy during Mars’ challenging dust storm season.
The orbiting sample container will hold 30 sample tubes collected by the Perseverance rover. A redesigned sample loading system will simplify the process by reducing dust contamination on the container, easing backward planetary protection requirements.
Both landing architectures will rely on ESA’s Earth Return Orbiter, which will capture, contain, and return the orbiting sample container to Earth. ESA is currently evaluating NASA’s plan to ensure mission success. This innovative dual approach demonstrates NASA’s commitment to advancing scientific discovery and preparing for future human exploration of the Red Planet.
Source: NASA.
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.
