How NASA Plans to Bring Martian Samples Back to Earth

NASA is underway to get samples delivered back from Mars that may give us answers to long-asked questions such as “Was there life millions of years ago?” 

Getting the samples back to Earth presents its own set of challenges. As part of the Mars Sample Return Program, NASA and the European Space Agency have developed a plan to deliver the samples by 2031. However, delays have pushed the expected arrival date to 2040, increasing the cost to over $11 billion.

New and innovative approaches are currently being discussed that push this timeline forward. Researchers would like the chance to study the Martian materials and prove certain hypotheses. NASA and the European Space Agency are in collaboration to decide the best approach forward and will decide on the best strategy by the end of 2026. 

"The Mars Sample Return will allow scientists to understand the planet’s geological history and the evolution of climate on this barren planet where life may have existed in the past," stated Nicky Fox, Director of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.