NASA explores options for Mars rock retrieval as competition with China intensifies
NASA is exploring partnerships with SpaceX and Blue Origin to lower costs for its Mars Sample Return mission. The mission aims to bring back samples collected by the Perseverance rover, originally planned for the 2030s, but facing delays and rising expenses. NASA is considering two options for landing a robotic platform on Mars: the Sky Crane system or a heavy lift lander from a commercial partner. A decision is expected by mid-2026, with costs potentially reduced to between $5.8 billion and $7.1 billion. China is advancing its own simpler sample return mission, potentially achieving this by 2028. NASA's timeline for sample return is now between 2035 and 2039, compared to the original target of 2040.