NASA begins work on Retrieval System to bring back Mars Perseverance Rover Samples
Washington, D.C. – NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) are moving to the next phase in a campaign to deepen understanding of whether life ever existed on Mars and, in turn, better understand the origins of life on Earth. NASA has approved the Mars Sample Return (MSR) multi-mission effort to advance to Phase A, preparing to bring the first pristine samples from Mars back to Earth. During this phase, the program will mature critical technologies and make critical design decisions as well as assess industry partnerships. In this illustration, NASA’s Mars 2020 rover uses its drill to core a rock sample on Mars. (NASA/JPL-Caltech)