NASA Tightens Wallet, Speeds Up Its Martian Return Mission
NASA has revamped its Mars Sample Return mission, cutting budget estimates from $11 billion to $6-7 billion and aiming for a return in the 2030s. The mission aims to bring back soil and rock samples from Mars' dried-up river delta, potentially unveiling secrets of past microbial life. Two strategies are on the table: the trusted 'sky crane' or partnering with private firms.
Jan 10