Missions involving Mars rovers like Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity. In 2021, the rover known as Perseverance made a groundbreaking achievement by gathering and storing environmental samples from the Jezero Crater, a location where researchers think they may discover traces of ancient life. These samples are enclosed in titanium containers and are placed on the Martian surface, poised for the chance to return to Earth.
NASA’s initial Mars Sample Return (MSR) strategy encompasses a complicated, multi-mission endeavor. It features the launch of a Sample Retrieval Lander that would be outfitted with a miniature rocket and a robotic arm capable of collecting the sample tubes. Subsequently, the samples would be sent into Mars’ orbit, where an ESA spacecraft would capture them and bring them back to Earth. All of this is expected to be accomplished by 2033. However, this detailed plan faces significant challenges. One major obstacle prompted NASA to reevaluate the viability of this initiative – the budget. As per projections, it would require nearly $11 billion, not to mention various technical challenges and delays. In 2024, the space agency conceded that the current MSR initiative is now impractical. At present, NASA is looking into more economical and quicker options, which include partnerships with several commercial entities such as SpaceX and Lockheed.
