Nasa seeks cheaper ideas for Mars sample return mission amid budget crunch

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Nasa is seeking a cheaper, simpler approach to retrieve soil samples collected on Mars and fly them back to Earth. A formal request for proposals will be sent to Nasa centers, laboratories, and space industry companies. The overhaul will focus on innovation and proven technology to reduce development time, risks, and costs. The move comes after an independent review found the program hindered by unrealistic budget and schedule expectations. The mission's next phase involves sending a second robotic landing craft to Mars to retrieve the samples and launching them into Martian orbit for rendezvous with a third spacecraft that would fly them back to Earth. The original launch and return dates were anticipated for the late 2020s and early 2030s, respectively, with costs projected at $5 billion to $7 billion. However, the review found that costs could soar to as high as $11 billion and the specimens would not be delivered to Earth before 2040. Nasa officials are considering leaving behind some of the samples and hope to find a solution with the help of Nasa, JPL, and aerospace industry partners.

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