NASA Seeks Affordable Transport Ideas for Mars Soil Samples

NASA is actively seeking innovative proposals to transport Mars soil samples collected by the Perseverance Rover back to Earth more affordably. The agency aims to reduce costs and risks associated with the mission, which has faced criticism and budget challenges.

Plans have been revised, with the rover now expected to deliver the samples to the collection probe itself. NASA hopes to achieve the sample return mission in the 2030s for a budget not exceeding $7 billion, prompting a search for cost-effective solutions within the space industry and private sector.