NASA is moving forward with ten studies to examine more affordable and faster methods of bringing samples from Mars’ surface back to Earth as part of the agency’s Mars Sample Return Program.
Quantum Space has been selected by NASA to conduct a rapid development study of the Mars Sample Return mission, leveraging the innovation of the commercial space sector to return Martian soil to Earth for the first time in history. Quantum Space, in collaboration with Heliospace Corporation, the University of Arizona, and Jim Watzin, is among the select teams chosen for this significant study.
“We’re thrilled to be trusted by NASA for this critical contract. Returning sample material from Mars is vital to enhance humanity’s collective understanding of the universe's evolution,” said Kerry Wisnosky, CEO/President. “Quantum Space’s past and planned investments in cislunar spacecraft, infrastructure, and mission designs are essential to delivering a rapid Mars Sample Return mission design study solution for NASA.”
The strength of the U.S. space enterprise lies in the collaboration between commercial and government entities. “The use of our commercially developed spacecraft to achieve one of the highest priority goals in solar system exploration exemplifies a successful private-public partnership,” stated Ben Reed, cofounder and CIO. “Our sleeves are rolled up, and we’re ready to dive in!”
Read the NASA press release below:
NASA Exploring Alternative Mars Sample Return Methods
JUN 07, 2024 – NASA is moving forward with ten studies to examine more affordable and faster methods of bringing samples from Mars’ surface back to Earth as part of the agency’s Mars Sample Return Program. As part of this effort, NASA will award a firm-fixed-price contract for up to $1.5 million to conduct 90-day studies to seven industry proposers.
Additionally, NASA centers, CalTech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory are producing studies. Once completed, NASA will assess all studies to consider alterations or enhancements to the Mars Sample Return architecture.
“Mars Sample Return will be one of the most complex missions NASA has undertaken, and it is critical that we carry it out more quickly, with less risk, and at a lower cost,” said Nelson. “I’m excited to see the vision that these companies, centers and partners present as we look for fresh, exciting, and innovative ideas to uncover great cosmic secrets from the Red Planet.”
Over the last quarter century, NASA has engaged in a systematic effort to determine the early history of Mars and how it can help us understand the formation and evolution of habitable worlds, including Earth. As part of that effort, Mars Sample Return has been a long-term goal of international planetary exploration for the past two decades. NASA’s Perseverance rover has been collecting samples for later collection and return to Earth since it landed on Mars in 2021.
READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE AT NASA.GOV
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-exploring-alternative-mars-sample-return-methods/