Mars Rocks May Unlock Secrets of Water and Ancient Life

Perseverance rover's samples need detailed Earth-based analysis to reveal Mars' history and potential past life.

NASA's Perseverance rover collected rock samples from Jezero Crater over five months in 2022.
The samples, stored on the rover, require a future mission to be brought back to Earth for in-depth study.
Sedimentary rocks from Mars are crucial for understanding the planet's water history and potential biological activity.
Some samples contain fine-grained sediments, ideal for preserving signs of past microbial life.
Scientists aim to have the samples on Earth by 2033, though the mission may face delays.