Not to mention that the material would be heated, deformed and otherwise rendered useless for any kind of studies if you could get some of it into orbit. The amount of energy needed would likely be in the nuclear warhead range. The Martians might not appreciate us dropping nukes on them.Frabjous said:
Borg said:The Martians might not appreciate us dropping nukes on them.
Reminds of someone...berkeman said:
The primary purpose of bringing Mars samples to Earth is to study the geological and potential biological history of the planet in detail. Analyzing samples in terrestrial laboratories allows scientists to use advanced techniques and instruments that may not be feasible on Mars, leading to a deeper understanding of Mars' past, its climate, and the possibility of past life.
NASA faces several challenges, including the development of a reliable transportation system that can safely return samples from Mars, ensuring the samples are not contaminated, and coordinating complex logistics for the mission. Additionally, the mission must be cost-effective and efficient, balancing technological advancements with budgetary constraints.
NASA is exploring various methods for Mars sample return, including the use of a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) to launch samples into Mars orbit, followed by a spacecraft that would rendezvous with the MAV to transport the samples back to Earth. Other considerations include advancements in robotics and automation to streamline the collection and return processes.
This mission is a critical component of NASA's long-term Mars exploration strategy, which aims to understand the planet's history, assess its habitability, and prepare for future human missions. Sample return is seen as a key step in answering fundamental questions about Mars and its potential to support life.
NASA aims to bring Mars samples back to Earth in the early 2030s. This timeline is contingent upon the successful development and deployment of the necessary technologies and mission components, as well as collaboration with international partners like the European Space Agency (ESA).