Return sampling missions are rare in space exploration due to the cost of two-way space travel. This makes the return mission of Perseverance specimens particularly exciting, as humanity has never directly exported rock samples from Mars and brought them back to Earth. Unfortunately, we Earthlings will have to wait a little longer for this return sample mission to take place, as NASA announced on Tuesday. However, NASA has a very good reason. Previously, the scientists planned the return mission to begin in 2026 and be in the hands of (Earth) scientists by 2031. But now, due to the need to develop a second landing, the mission team says they need more time . RELATED: The strange geology of Mars bothers persistence “Detailed analysis of SRL [sample-return lander] “Landing mass requirements have led NASA to adopt a dual-landing architecture, with the second spacecraft carrying the fetch rover provided by Europe,” NASA officials said in a document detailing their demands for the Federal Reserve. for 2023 and explain why they want two “Developing a second landing requires moving to launch date in 2028 and sample return date to 2033 and is in line with the Independent Mars Sample Return Board (IRB) finding that a dual landing architecture can improve the chances of success of the mission. “ The change comes after an independent review committee reviewed NASA’s original plans for a sampling mission, which will be the first time a rover has embarked on a return mission to another planet. Although the sample return aspect of the shipment has been removed, this does not mean that Perseverance is not currently doing an exciting science. The rover is currently on a three-mile journey to one of its most exciting destinations: a river delta at the edge of Jezero Crater, a place scientists believe may once have been home to microbial life. The study of the earth around the Jezero crater could provide definitive evidence of life on Mars. “The delta is so important that we actually decided to minimize scientific activity and focus on driving to get there faster,” Perseverance scientist Ken Farley told NASA in a press release. “We will take many photos of the delta during this journey. The closer we get, the more impressive these images will be.” Scientists believe this site is one of the best on Mars to look for signs of life in the past. Upon arrival, Perseverance will use the drill on the end of the robotic arm and collect rock cores to send samples back. From Earth, scientists will start looking for images of rocks that they will eventually want to examine in more detail, although it will be a few years before they can get their hands on them. The persistence is expected to reach the delta by mid-April. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to The Vulgar Scientist’s weekly newsletter. The ancient river has a peculiar topography. As a fan-shaped delta, the crater floor is almost 130 feet below the surface. The delta is full of corner surfaces, protruding boulders and pockets full of sand. In other words, it is somewhat dangerous and unsafe ground for a rover that does not have access to a repair yard. However, given the diversity of the soil, scientists are optimistic that there are geological discoveries that could show evidence of older microbial life that may have existed billions of years ago on Mars. Fortunately, Perseverance has a friend on its journey, as scientists recently expanded the Ingenuity helicopter mission. The small drone helicopter flies around Mars as an aerial supplement to the rover’s ground observatory. “Less than a year ago we did not even know if it was possible for a controlled flight to Mars to be powered by an engine,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, a fellow at NASA’s Mission. “Now, we look forward to Ingenuity taking part in Perseverance’s second scientific campaign. Such a transformation of mentality in such a short time is simply astonishing and one of the most historic in the history of air and space exploration.” Once the Perseverance reaches the delta, Ingenuity will locate two dry river canals and determine which of the canals to head to when it’s time to climb to the top of the delta. Ingenuity will also help identify potential scientific targets – and may even identify landing zones for landlords that are part of the sampling mission. “The campaign in the Jezero River Delta will be the biggest challenge Ingenuity has faced since its first flight to Mars,” said Teddy Tzanetos, head of Ingenuity at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Read more about Perseverance:
