NASA set to announce plans to return samples from Mars back to Earth

ORLANDO, Fla. — NASA and the European Space Agency are set to discuss the Mars sample-return mission this week.

The proposed mission intends to collect rock and dust samples on Mars and return them to Earth.

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NASA’s partnership with ESA will be the first mission to return samples from another planet, including the first launch from the surface of another planet.

The samples are currently being collected by Perseverance during its exploration of the Jezero Crater, home to an ancient river delta.

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This area of the Red Planet is thought to be the best opportunity to reveal the early evolution of Mars, including the potential for life.

According to a news release, the briefing will present the architecture proposal that is expected to be finalized in September 2022.

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The teleconference is scheduled for July 27 at 11 a.m. and will be live-streamed online at https://www.nasa.gov/live.

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