NASA Explores New Plans for Mars Sample Return Mission

Two revised options aim to cut costs and accelerate the timeline for retrieving Martian samples, but the final decision rests with the incoming Trump administration.

NASA has proposed two new approaches for its Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, focusing on faster and cheaper options compared to the original $11 billion plan that targeted a 2040 return date.
The revised plans could bring samples back to Earth as early as 2035, with costs ranging between $5.8 billion and $7.7 billion, depending on the chosen architecture.
One option involves using NASA's proven 'sky crane' technology, while the other explores a commercial heavy lander developed in partnership with private companies such as SpaceX or Blue Origin.
Rocket Lab has publicly advocated for an open commercial competition, claiming its approach could return samples by 2031 for under $4 billion, though NASA has not yet acted on this proposal.
The final decision on the mission's direction has been deferred to the Trump administration, with funding and priorities expected to shape the program's future trajectory.

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