2023 Mars sample return mission The Mars sample return mission - considered the "holy grail" of robotic space missions - is by far the costliest and most complex exploration of Mars ever conceived. Due to financial problems with both NASA and ESA, the project was almost scrapped. Following an outcry from the scientific community, however, it eventually goes ahead. With a launch window of 2018,* returning five years later,* the mission consists of an Earth/Mars transfer stage, Mars orbiter, descent module, collection mechanism, ascent module and Earth re-entry stage. Around 30 samples,* totalling 500 grams of rock and soil, are deposited into the ascension vehicle, which then launches and exits the Martian atmosphere, before making the return trip back to Earth. Once they are recovered, the samples are placed in a "curation" facility to isolate them and prevent contamination. Advanced instruments are then used to analyse the rock and soil, at a level of detail that was unavailable with previous surface rovers and their relatively limited tools. The samples hold tremendous scientific value. They provide decades of research into the Martian environment, and conclude as a major milestone in the exploration of Mars. The next major mission will be a manned landing.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 05:46:19 +0000