NASA budget reports and project financial disclosures

NASA Pursues Two Options for Mars Sample Return, Targeting 2035-2039 with Cost Reduction

Jan 7, 2025, 06:36 PM

NASA has announced a revised approach to its Mars Sample Return Program, aiming to retrieve Martian rock and soil samples collected by the Perseverance rover. The agency plans to pursue two different landing architectures simultaneously to foster competition and innovation, with the goal of reducing costs and accelerating the timeline. The first option involves using a sky crane method, similar to those used in the Curiosity and Perseverance missions, at an estimated cost of $6.6 to $7.7 billion. The second option explores new commercial capabilities for landing on Mars, with an estimated cost of $5.8 to $7.1 billion. Both options will utilize a smaller Mars Ascent Vehicle and replace solar panels with a radioisotope power system to ensure operation during Mars' dust storm season. The samples, stored in 30 tubes, will be transferred to an orbiting sample container, which will be captured by the European Space Agency's Earth Return Orbiter for return to Earth. NASA expects to finalize the design in 2026, with the samples potentially returning to Earth between 2035 and 2039, depending on funding. At least $300 million is required in FY 2025 to enable this decision. The revised plan comes after the original approach was deemed too costly and delayed, with estimates suggesting a budget of $11 billion and a return date in 2040.