Were there multiple points in history where microscopic life could have been at Mars’ Jezero Crater? @NASAPersevere is carrying a core sample from a rock that may record a story of the ancient lake’s watery past. #MarsSampleReturn could bring samples to Earth for closer study.

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#NASAMars

This operation would also cost valuable time that couldn't be spent performing scientific observations.

In my opionion this would all be well worth it, ensuring that Ingenuity can continue to assist Perseverance by scouting ahead and also by collecting valuable engineering experience for the future #MarsSampleReturn helicopters.

And if that’s not enough, don’t forget about the awesome headline! 😎

How does "The first robotic servicing mission on the surface of Mars" sound to y'all?

Well, if you're #NASA #JPL, this awesome headline could be yours for the low cost of a few nitrogen puffs!

This thread is just me fantasizing how Perseverance could potentially use its gDRT to clean the dusty solar panel and camera lens on Ingenuity and make history with this extraordinary servicing operation!

#Ingenuity #MarsHelicopter #Perseverance #Mars2020 #Space #Solarocks #MarsSampleReturn

The Senate just lobbed a tactical nuke at NASA’s Mars Sample Return program - Enlarge / The fate of a mission to return samples from Mars hangs in th... - https://arstechnica.com/?p=1953815 #marssamplereturn #marsmission #science #space #nasa

Ars Technica: The Senate just lobbed a tactical nuke at NASA’s Mars Sample Return program https://arstechnica.com/?p=1953815 #Tech #arstechnica #IT #Technology #MarsSampleReturn #marsmission #Science #Space #NASA

Mars Sample Return is at risk of being cancelled 😭. From the Senate Approps rpt on CJS. #space #spaceexploration #mars #marsexploration #marssamplereturn

Spot the “polar bear!” One rock that @NASAPersevere drilled while #SamplingMars had an odd-shaped crystal inside – a mineral that on Earth is good for preserving signs of ancient life. See why one of this rock’s samples could be fascinating to bring to Earth by #MarsSampleReturn.

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#NASAMars

NASA’s Mars Sample Return has a new price tag—and it’s colossal | Ars Technica

https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/06/the-mars-sample-return-mission-is-starting-to-give-nasa-sticker-shock/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic%2Fscience
#NASABudget
#NASAPolicy
#MarsSampleReturn

According to sources the development cost of the NASA/ESA #MarsSampleReturn mission has doubled from the currently known $4.4b: https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/06/the-mars-sample-return-mission-is-starting-to-give-nasa-sticker-shock/ - and "this only represents the cost to build and test the different components of the mission. It does not include launch costs, operating costs over a five-year period, nor construction of a new sample-receiving facility to handle the rocks and soil from Mars. All told, the total cost of the Mars Sample Return mission is now about $10 billion."

Meet another of the Mars samples that could be brought to Earth by #MarsSampleReturn. Hear from one of @NASAPersevere’s scientists about “Roubion,” the planned rock core that turned out to be something else entirely!
#NASAMars

This sample is waiting on Mars for possible pickup. See how #MarsSampleReturn could bring samples to Earth for detailed study:
#NASAMars

See how my unique rock collection could be delivered to Earth by #MarsSampleReturn for closer study:
#PerseveranceRover

Was there ever life on Mars? 🔴

The samples @NASAPersevere is collecting as part of the #MarsSampleReturn campaign could hold the answer. See why one NASA scientist is especially excited about the samples taken from “Wildcat Ridge.”
#NASAMars

@65dBnoise @tom30519 @stim3on
We have a core in sample tube #254 on Sol 822 :) Wooo Hooo

#PerseveranceRover #SamplingMars #Marsrover #Mars #NASA #Space #Science #JPL #Caltech #MarsSampleReturn

Mars Is Hard:

Mars Guy - Episode 114:

Sending a rover to Mars to do geologic fieldwork inevitably leads to frustration. Collecting a rock sample is one of the simplest things a geologist does on Earth. But a second attempt last week shows how hard it is to do on Mars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPL_k-VOkOM

#PerseveranceRover #SamplingMars #Marsrover #Mars #NASA #Space #Science #JPL #Caltech #MarsSampleReturn

It appears as though Perseverance has ejected all of the fragmented core from the sample tube inside its drill bit. As seen in this processed MastCam-Z image from sol 813
Image credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS

#PerseveranceRover #SamplingMars #Marsrover #Mars #NASA #Space #Science #JPL #Caltech #MarsSampleReturn

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson told a congressional subcommittee today that he learned just two weeks ago that the #MarsSampleReturn mission needs an additional $250 million in this current fiscal year, FY 2023, and another $250 million on top of what is requested for FY2024, to stay on track for launch later this decade: https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/mars-sample-return-in-financial-bind-already/

NASA will convene a #MarsSampleReturn (MSR) Program independent review board, or IRB, to perform a review of current plans and goals for one of the most difficult missions humanity has ever undertaken, namely bringing samples from another planet to study on Earth: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/nasa-to-convene-mars-sample-return-review

NASA will convene a #MarsSampleReturn (MSR) Program independent review board, or IRB, to perform a review of current plans and goals for one of the most difficult missions humanity has ever undertaken, namely bringing samples from another planet to study on Earth: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/nasa-to-convene-mars-sample-return-review

Il 30 gennaio il rover marziano #Perseverance ha rilasciato al suolo la decima e ultima capsula contenente campioni di roccia marziana raccolti nei mesi precedenti.

Questo completa quindi una prima parte della missione #MarsSampleReturn , una missione che ha come obbiettivo quello di riportare sulla Terra dei campioni di roccia marziana.
#NASA #ESA

Credit 📸: NASA/JPL