NASA unveils plans to return Mars samples by 2030s with lower cost estimates

NASA has announced two new plans to return rock and dust samples from Mars, aiming for a return by the 2030s. The estimated cost for this mission is between $5.5 billion and $7.7 billion, significantly lower than the previous $11 billion estimate. The new strategies involve using either existing sky crane technology or commercial heavy-lift vehicles. NASA plans to select one of these options by late 2026, with both methods requiring multiple spacecraft. The samples, collected by the Perseverance rover from Jezero Crater, may provide evidence of past life on Mars. This mission is intended to enhance understanding of Mars' geological history and climate evolution.