The American space agency, NASA, is working on plans to bring samples from the Martian surface to our planet. NASA rovers (space exploration devices) have been roaming the surface of Mars for years, collecting information and samples to expand our knowledge of the great red planet.
But the space agency has determined that it is time for its findings to return home, with the aim of having the samples studied in person by Earth scientists. The official NASA press explained through its page what could be the measures they will take to recover what was collected by the rovers.
“During the project formulation phase, the agency will simultaneously apply two landing architectures or strategic plans, promoting competition and innovation, as well as cost and deadline savings.” They add that “NASA plans to later select a single pathway for the program, which aims to better understand the mysteries of the universe and help determine whether the Red Planet ever hosted life.”
Last September, the agency accepted 11 studies from the scientific community and the space industry on the best way to return these Martian samples to our planet. A team called the Mars Sample Return Strategic Review was charged with evaluating the studies and recommending a primary architecture for the campaign, including associated cost and schedule estimates.
Nicky Fox, director of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, explained that they want to bring them back as soon as possible to study them in state-of-the-art facilities.
He added that “the return of samples from Mars will allow scientists to understand the geological history of the planet and the evolution of the climate on this barren planet where life may have existed in the past, and will shed light on the early solar system before life began.” here on Earth. “It will also prepare us to send the first human explorers to Mars.”
Via: NASA
