NASA makes dramatic change to Mars Sample Return mission

NASA's Mars Sample Return mission.

NASA has announced a dramatic change to its Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, which will attempt to transport rock and soil from the martian surface all the way to Earth. The space agency’s Perseverance rover is currently exploring Jezero Crater on Mars, gathering the samples for return to Earth in the MSR mission in 2033. Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, July 27, NASA said recent analysis of Perseverance’s performance showed that the robot vehicle will be able to operate longer than expected.

This discovery has led NASA to ditch the Sample Fetch Rover (SFR) that it was planning to use to collect the cached samples, as Perseverance can do the work instead. That means the SFR’s lander is also no longer required, enabling NASA to further simplify the return mission. But the most exciting news to come out of the NASA on Wednesday is its plan to include in the MSR mission two sample recovery helicopters based on the design of the hugely successful Ingenuity Mars helicopter, which last year made history when it became the first aircraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet.

“The Sample Retrieval Lander will include two sample recovery helicopters, based on the design of the Ingenuity helicopter, which has performed 29 flights at Mars and survived over a year beyond its original planned lifetime,” NASA said in a release, adding that the helicopters will offer a secondary capability to retrieve the cached samples, with Perseverance acting as the primary retriever. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory designed and built the Ingenuity helicopter and so would likely be involved in the development of the two flying machines for the MSR mission. Commenting on the updated strategy for the ambitious endeavor to transport material from Mars to Earth, Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA headquarters, said: “There are some significant and advantageous changes to the plan, which can be directly attributed to Perseverance’s recent successes at Jezero and the amazing performance of our Mars helicopter.”

Mars samples brought to Earth by the Earth Return Orbiter will allow scientists to analyze the rock, dust, and sand using advanced laboratory equipment.

NASA hopes the work will enable it to confirm once and for all if microbial life ever existed on the distant celestial body.

If it did, it could help us to learn more about how life developed on our own planet.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

cult-beauty listed on couponmatrix.ukgood-energy listed on couponmatrix.ukinsure-learner-driver listed on couponmatrix.ukmisspap listed on couponmatrix.uksnag-tights listed on couponmatrix.ukwicked listed on couponmatrix.uk
cult-beauty listed on couponmatrix.ukCult Beauty has tried to pool its resources of a panel of nearly forty experts to create a line of the best beauty products on an easy to use website, complete with celebrity and insider knowledge. With a range of beauty professionals working at the top of their game, you can enjoy products worthy of a-listers for less with your Cult Beauty discount code from Groupon. Whether it's a new scientific discovery or a time-honoured technique used for hundreds of years. With the experts cherry-picking the best beauty finds, you can ensure that the products on their website are the best of the best, no matter what you choose, separating the blaggers and braggers from the gems that do what they say on the bottle.
good-energy listed on couponmatrix.ukThe way we source our energy can be a great cause for concern, especially with our seeming reliance on gas and nuclear sources. With Good Energy, you know you’re changing for the better – as almost all their energy is sourced by renewable means. Find a monthly price to save on with a Good Energy promo code and you’ll quickly see the benefits of switching providers, for both the environment and your personal balance.
insure-learner-driver listed on couponmatrix.ukLearning to drive can be a daunting task, especially when you’re driving in your own or a family member’s vehicle. Step in Insure Learner Driver, the provider of short-term and annual comprehensive cover for provisional licence holders. With an Insure Learner Driver promo code you can minimise the cost of your cover and get behind the wheel without worry, even in the worst case scenario.
misspap listed on couponmatrix.ukA UK-based brand with a mission to serve women with style, Misspap provides fresh, fun clothing and accessories to the fashionistas who do things their own way. Snap up a Misspap discount code from us to score savings on statement pieces, and shop sexy yet feminine in-house collections you won’t find anywhere else! Global delivery and free returns keep the aspirational Misspap army trending 24/7. For stylish pieces that suit a high-octane lifestyle, why shop anywhere else?
snag-tights listed on couponmatrix.ukWhatever your size, shape or style, Snag Tights have a fit for you. Embracing the weird and wonderful world of tights with all the colours and patterns imagination can conjure, rest assured there’ll be a design you adore just waiting to be bought for less with a Snag Tights discount code. Endlessly endeavouring to produce fun and themed legwear that’ll make every outfit pop, it’s easy to see why so many stride with pride in a pair of Snag Tights.
wicked listed on couponmatrix.ukTake a trip to a wonderfully familiar world with Wicked, the alternative take on the legendary tale of the Wicked Witch. Featuring an ensemble cast of cool and creative characters, all a theatre fan needs is a Wicked discount code to get a great deal on an evening’s show they’ll never forget. Whether you love theatre for the music, the props, the production or for everything else, prepare to discover one of the world’s best modern musicals with Wicked.