NASA will decide how to return soil samples from Mars in 2026

NASA will analyze and explore two different landing options for its Mars sample return program, although it will take nearly two years and is expected to announce its decision in late 2026. The agency had to temporarily suspend the program after an independent review found that it could cost between $8 billion and $11 billion, well over budget.

The first method NASA is evaluating is called a “sky crane,” in which a vehicle will head to Mars, approach the surface using a parachute, collect the samples Persistence the rover collected using cables or other mechanisms and then flew away. NASA previously used this method to place the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on the planet.

Meanwhile, the second option requires the help of commercial space companies. Last year, the agency asked SpaceX, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin and other companies to submit proposals for how to return collected Martian samples to Earth. Whichever option the agency chooses will carry a smaller version of the Mars Ascent Vehicle than originally planned. The Mars Ascent Vehicle is a light rocket that will carry samples from the planet’s surface into Mars orbit. It will also need to be able to transport a container that can hold 30 sample tubes. Once the sample container is in orbit, an ESA orbiter will pick it up and return it home.

Early last year, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory had to laid off 530 employees and cut 100 contract employees primarily due to budget issues related to that mission. NASA requested $950 million for the program, but was awarded only $300 million. The independent review, which found the mission would cost over budget, also found it may not be able to return samples to Earth until 2040. According to a previous report by The Washington Postthe US government found the return date “unacceptable”.

In a teleconference, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson revealed either of the two methods the agency is now considering would cost far less than what it would have spent initially. The sky crane will reportedly cost NASA between $6.6 billion and $7.7 billion, while working with a private space company will cost between $5.8 billion and $7.1 billion. Both variants will also be able to retrieve the samples and return them sometime between 2035 and 2039. Scientists believe that the samples that Perseverance collects can help us determine whether there was life on Mars and whether its soil contains chemicals and substances that could be harmful to future human spacecraft.