This is how NASA's Perseverance rover will get Mars rocks back to Earth
Science
The plans for [UNKNOWN] return are multifaceted and complex.
But it's exciting how our technologies have matured bringing us to this point where we can now attempt this amazing feat.
To be certain we are ready, NASA initiated an independent review board to determine if this long awaited mission is positioned for success.
The board concluded that NASA is indeed prepared for the campaign building on decades of scientific advancements and technical progress in Mars exploration.
This historic endeavor demands multiple spacecraft, and our partnership with the European space agency, working together with a carefully orchestrated approach.
Let me show you how, first perseverance will drill and prepare samples for return and cash them on the surface of Mars.
In 2026, a fetch Rover will be launched to collect those samples and bring them to a rocket that will launch them into orbit around Mars.
Another orbiter will rendezvous and capture those samples for safe delivery to earth.
If it sounds complicated, it is.
If it sounds extreme, it most certainly is.
The Mars sample return mission will also help us prepare for human exploration Things like the precision landing technology capability to launch the first rocket from the Martian surface.
And being able to assess soil characteristics and toxicity are all essential to paving the way for the health and safety of our human explorers.
The technology to return the samples that perseverance collects is maturing.
But NASA's investments in developing autonomous robots and landing large payloads on Mars have laid the groundwork for a successful Sample Return campaign.
We are so thrilled to be working with Isa on Mars sample return and with partners from Spain, Norway and France on perseverance science as we take our next steps in exploring the solar system.
