Why Donald Trump will decide how soil samples from Mars will get to Earth | Explain

Last update:January 10, 2025, 6:52 p.m. IST

By the end of 2026, then-President Donald Trump, not NASA, will decide which approach to take, with key technological differences impacting costs and timelines.

NASA has unveiled a new strategy for the Mars sample return program. (AP file)

NASA’s Perseverance Rover has collected numerous soil samples on Mars. Although its work continues, details regarding the return of samples to Earth remain limited. The program will likely have a two-phase approach. First, a lander will land on Mars to collect the Perseverance samples and transfer them to an orbiting spacecraft. Second, a European Space Agency vehicle will transport these samples to Earth. However, the execution of NASA’s role depends on a decision that will be made not by NASA itself, but by then-US President Donald Trump.

NASA’s new strategy revealed

NASA has unveiled a new strategy for the Mars sample return program. In the planning phase, the agency is exploring two distinct methods to encourage competition, innovation and cost and time efficiency.

Cost and time will be important factors

Ultimately, NASA will have to commit to a single method. The final decision will be made by then-US President Donald Trump in the second half of 2026, not NASA itself. The main difference between the two methods is their technology, which makes cost and time critical.

Why did NASA choose two options

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained the rationale for this approach. By developing two potential routes, NASA aims to significantly reduce the cost and duration of the program. Analysis of these samples could reveal secrets not only about Mars but also about the universe and, ultimately, about life on Earth.

Choose from 11 studies

As of September 2024, the agency received 11 studies from the NASA community and industry, each describing potential methods for transporting samples from Mars to Earth. The Mars Sample Return Strategic Review Team was tasked with evaluating these studies and providing recommendations for the campaign.

The first option has already been used

NASA will analyze and evaluate two methods of collecting samples on Mars. The first option leverages existing methods, including Mars entry, surface landing, and sky crane landing system design – techniques previously used for the deployment of the Curiosity and Perseverance rover.

This will be the change in the second option

The second option explores new business capabilities. Both options involve the Mars Ascent Vehicle, but with one crucial modification: the spacecraft’s solar panels will be replaced with a radioisotope power system to provide power during Martian dust storms. The Orbiter sample container will only hold 30 sample tubes containing samples collected by the Perseverance Rover.

NASA had initially considered a single-mission approach to sample recovery. However, after careful consideration, a multi-part mission proved to be the most effective strategy. A significant challenge is landing the Mars Ascent Vehicle safely on Mars and ensuring an accurate launch from the Martian surface. Ultimately, the Trump administration, responsible for approving the program’s budget, will determine which option is chosen. Although the samples are expected to return to Earth within the next decade, the exact timeline remains undetermined.