NASA updates Mars sample return plan to cut costs and complexity

nbcnews.com

NASA has revised its Mars Sample Return Program to reduce costs and complexity. The agency will now explore two new options for retrieving samples from Mars, aiming to bring them back to Earth by 2035 or 2039. The original plan involved a complex lander with helicopters to collect samples, but this has been scrapped. Instead, NASA will consider a landing method similar to its previous rover missions or collaborate with private companies for a new lander. NASA's budget for the project has increased significantly, prompting these changes. The new options are expected to cost between $5.8 billion and $7.7 billion. The mission aims to enhance understanding of Mars' history and prepare for future human exploration.


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