NASA plans to launch two spacecraft to reach Mars and bring Martian samples back to Earth

NASA’s Perseverance rover arrived on the surface of Mars not long ago and will collect Martian rocks and soil and analyze them. NASA’s plan is not only to conduct exploration and analysis on Mars but also to bring back samples collected from Mars.

According to reports, NASA and the European Space Agency have signed an $84.5 million contract with Northrop Grumman Systems’ Mars Ascent Propulsion System (MAPS) to advance the implementation of the ‘Mars Sample Return Mission.’

Perseverance landed in Jezero Crater and it will search for signs of life in the area in the next few years. If rocks or soils worthy of study are found, they will be stored in ‘ultra sterile containers free from any contamination and stored in the mobile station.

The ‘Mars Sample Return’ mission involves launching two spacecraft to Mars. One of them meets Perseverance and obtains samples, then takes off and orbits Mars. The second spacecraft will rendezvous with the first in Mars orbit and will Bring the sample back to Earth.

NASA’s current plan is to launch two spacecraft in 2026, reach Mars in 2028, and bring Martian samples back to Earth by 2031.

(Via)