NASA is investigating two pioneering methods to retrieve Martian samples for return to Earth, with the goal of creating a mission framework that is both cost-effective and technically simpler. The space agency is contemplating the use of a commercial lander—possibly supplied by firms such as SpaceX or Blue Origin—or utilizing the established “sky crane” mechanism, which effectively placed the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers on Mars.

These strategic changes could markedly decrease the anticipated $11 billion expenditure for the mission to below $8 billion, as noted by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. Furthermore, the timeline for sample return may be advanced by one to five years, with the earliest return now aimed for 2035. “The primary reason we paused this mission was that it had veered out of control,” Nelson stated. “Our NASA specialists have now formulated a strategy to accomplish our objective—retrieving 30 titanium tubes of Martian material—more swiftly and at a reduced expense.”

NASA aims to finalize the design of the mission by late 2026.

### Increasing Demand for Results

The pressure to address the hurdles of the Mars Sample Return mission has intensified, particularly after recent findings by Perseverance, which has been gathering rock, dust, and air samples since its arrival on Mars in 2021. The mission has come under examination following a review that indicated it could exceed $11 billion in costs and take nearly twenty years to finish. In reaction, NASA sought feedback from the aerospace sector last year, with various companies proposing numerous cost-reduction ideas, including adapting Artemis moon landers and reconsidering the concluding phases of the mission.

A significant aspect of these suggestions has been the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), the rocket intended to launch samples from Mars into orbit. This would signify humankind’s inaugural effort to launch a rocket from another planet. Firms such as Aerojet Rocketdyne, Whittinghill Aerospace, and Northrop Grumman have put forth ideas to downsize and lighten the MAV and its lander. Aerojet Rocketdyne even suggested minimizing the rocket’s weight to facilitate the reuse of the sky crane system.

### Optimizing the Mission

Both of NASA’s updated strategies entail utilizing a smaller MAV, which would be supported by a reimagined landing system. The lander would utilize a radioisotope power system for energy and heat instead of solar panels, maintaining functionality even during dust storm seasons on Mars. However, NASA officials have encountered inquiries regarding the absence of the sky crane in the mission’s initial design. “Why was the original design focused on a larger, more intricate lander that couldn’t utilize the successful sky crane system?” Nelson questioned. “Creating a bigger and better mousetrap will undoubtedly lead to increased complexity and cost.”

NASA’s initial strategy involved Perseverance transporting the samples to a robotic lander furnished with a rocket. If the rover was unable to complete the trip, drones comparable to the Ingenuity helicopter would then convey the samples. Once launched into space, the samples would be collected by an orbiter constructed by the European Space Agency, which would subsequently ferry them 140 million miles back to Earth.

### Evidence of Ancient Martian Existence

Recently, Perseverance uncovered a rock that presents the most compelling indication of ancient Martian life thus far. Nevertheless, validating this finding necessitates that the samples are examined on Earth. Casey Dreier, senior space policy adviser for The Planetary Society, highlighted the mission’s significance, asserting, “No one will mind whether it costs $6 billion or $11 billion if we discover proof of life beyond Earth for the first time in history.”

### Moving Ahead

The ultimate decision regarding the mission’s trajectory will fall to the new Trump administration, as Nelson is scheduled to depart his role later this month. NASA will dedicate the upcoming year to refining engineering plans for the proposed strategies. When asked whether he believed the incoming administration would pursue the mission, Nelson conveyed optimism. “I can’t envision they wouldn’t,” he remarked. “I don’t think we want the sole sample return to occur on a Chinese spacecraft.”

NASA’s Mars Sample Return mission symbolizes a revolutionary initiative to bring components of the Red Planet to Earth, potentially providing answers to one of humanity’s most profound inquiries: Are we alone in the universe?