Mars Sample Return Archives - SpaceNews

An illustration of the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) that will transport gathered Martian samples from the surface to orbit, where it will rendezvous with another spacecraft. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

From the Magazine

Foust Forward | Who gets the final word on Mars Sample Return?

By the end of this year, NASA may have a new plan in place for returning samples from Mars. The agency announced in October that it had convened an outside […]

by Jeff Foust December 2, 2024November 27, 2024

Mars Sample Return illustration

Civil

NASA MSR review continues despite committee leadership change

by Jeff Foust November 7, 2024November 22, 2024

Mars Sample Return illustration

Civil

NASA on track to decide new approach for MSR by end of year

by Jeff Foust October 22, 2024October 22, 2024

Neutron launch

Civil

NASA awards Rocket Lab study contract for Mars Sample Return

by Jeff Foust October 8, 2024October 8, 2024

China's Zhurong rover (bottom) and landing platform (top) imaged by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Civil

China to launch Mars sample return mission in 2028, will follow planetary protection guidelines

by Andrew Jones September 5, 2024September 5, 2024

Mars Sample Return illustration

Civil

Companies describe studies to revise Mars Sample Return

by Jeff Foust July 31, 2024July 31, 2024

Policy & Politics

House spending bill directs NASA to study asteroid and orbital debris missions

by Jeff Foust July 9, 2024July 9, 2024

Mars Sample Return illustration

Civil

NASA selects seven companies for MSR studies

by Jeff Foust June 10, 2024June 10, 2024

IM-1 landing

Intuitive Machines making upgrades to second lunar lander

by Jeff Foust May 14, 2024May 14, 2024

Nelson

Policy & Politics

Nelson lobbies Congress to fund ISS deorbit vehicle in supplemental spending bill

by Jeff Foust May 1, 2024May 1, 2024