NASA delays Mars Sample Return decision until new administration takes office
NASA has postponed its decision on the Mars Sample Return mission until the next administration. The agency has proposed two options for retrieving samples collected by the Perseverance rover, but plans remain uncertain. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated that the new NASA head, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump, will decide on the mission's direction. The Trump administration may prioritize faster results in space exploration. Previously, NASA's plan faced budget issues, with costs rising to $11 billion and a return timeline extending to 2040. The new administration's approach could change the mission's structure and timeline.