NASA selects two options for revised Mars Sample Return mission
NASA has narrowed its Mars Sample Return mission to two options, aiming for a more cost-effective and faster approach than the previous plan, which was canceled last year. The options include a sky crane system or a heavy lander from a commercial partner. The original mission's cost had risen to $11 billion, with samples not expected to return until at least 2040. The new options are projected to cost between $5.8 billion and $7.7 billion, with a potential return of samples by 2035. Both options will still use a Mars ascent vehicle to send samples to an orbiting European spacecraft, which will return them to Earth. NASA plans to finalize the design and budget before confirming the mission's timeline.