NASA's New Mars Plans: Bringing Home Martian Samples Faster and Cheaper

NASA is rethinking its strategy for bringing Martian samples back to Earth. The Perseverance rover has been collecting samples since 2021, which could help scientists understand if life existed on Mars. The original plan was too expensive and time-consuming, so NASA has come up with two new strategies that aim to return the samples by either 2035 or 2039, costing between $5. 5 billion and $7. 7 billion—significantly less than the previous estimate of $11 billion. One plan involves using a sky crane, similar to the one that safely landed Perseverance. The other option involves partnering with commercial companies like SpaceX or Blue Origin. Both plans require a Mars Ascent Vehicle to launch from Mars and meet up with an orbiter. The European Space Agency is reviewing these plans, and a final decision is expected by the end of 2026.