Mars to Earth for detailed scientific study, has faced challenges related to cost and timeline, with estimates suggesting a potential expenditure of $11 billion and a completion date as late as 2040. This announcement is expected to shed light on efforts to address these issues.
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ESA), using a lander to retrieve samples from Perseverance and a separate spacecraft to return them to Earth.
Reports suggest that the program's rising costs and technical complexities have led to significant revisions. A cost estimate of $3 billion in 2020 increased to $11 billion by 2024, and assessments have highlighted delays that could extend the timeline to 2040. NASA Bill Nelson stated during an April 2024 media briefing, covered by Spaceflight Now, that such delays and costs are "unacceptable."
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Efforts to streamline the mission have been ongoing, with the involvement of private industry to propose cost-effective solutions. During a December 18 briefing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Nelson remarked on the importance of incorporating industry expertise, which could lead to accelerated timelines and reduced costs.
China's plans to launch its own Mars sample return mission by 2028, aiming for a 2031 completion, have added competitive urgency to NASA's project. Details of the revised plan and the role of external partners are expected to be outlined during the briefing.
The event will be available for public listening on NASA's official website.