In September 2024, the agency accepted 11 studies from the NASA community and industry on how best to return Martian samples to Earth. A Mars Sample Return Strategic Review team was charged with assessing the studies and then recommending a primary architecture for the campaign, including associated cost and schedule estimates.
During formulation, NASA will proceed with exploring and evaluating two distinct means of landing the payload platform on the red planet. The first option will leverage previously flown entry, descent, and landing system designs, namely the sky crane method, demonstrated with the Curiosity and Perseverance missions. The second option will capitalize on using new commercial capabilities to deliver the lander payload to the surface.
For both potential options, the mission’s landed platform will carry a smaller version of the Mars Ascent Vehicle, but the platform’s solar panels will be replaced with a radioisotope power system that can provide electricity and heat through the dust storm season, allowing for reduced complexity.
Both mission options rely on a capture, containment and return system aboard the European Space Agency’s Earth Return Orbiter to capture the orbiting sample container in Mars orbit. E S A is evaluating NASA’s plan.
