NASA Seeks Proposals to Streamline Mars Sample Return Mission
The Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission is a collaborative effort between NASA and the European Space Agency, and it is considered a holy grail for planetary scientists, as it could provide valuable insights into the possibility of alien life on Mars.
Streamlining the Mission
NASA is currently seeking proposals to streamline the Mars Sample Return mission, with the goal of reducing complexity and cost while maintaining the scientific objectives. The agency is interested in innovative approaches that can improve the efficiency and reliability of the mission.
Key Components of the Mission
The MSR mission consists of several key components, including a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) that will launch the sample from the Martian surface, a Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL) that will capture the sample and transfer it to Earth, and an Earth Return Orbiter (ERO) that will transport the sample back to Earth.
Consolidating Mission Elements
One of the challenges of the MSR mission is the need to coordinate multiple spacecraft and landers, each with their own specific objectives and requirements. NASA is exploring ways to consolidate some of these mission elements, potentially reducing the number of individual spacecraft required and simplifying the overall mission architecture.
Enhancing Mission Capabilities
In addition to streamlining the mission, NASA is also interested in proposals that can enhance the scientific capabilities of the MSR mission. This could include improvements to the sample handling and analysis techniques, as well as the incorporation of additional scientific instruments or experiments.