Mars Sample Return Options

[Rakhir]

Next phase reached in definition of Mars Sample Return mission

http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMJAGNFGLE_index_0.html

[mcaplinger]

https://spacenews.com/practical-approach-ma...return-mission/

Worth a read, but I'm skeptical of Zubrin's 50-kg total mass Earth return vehicle. And even if the delta V numbers work out in the abstract, he presupposes all the planetary protection requirements can be made to go away.

[StargazeInWonder]

Interesting and unexpected bogeyman that he identifies and eliminates. Agreed that it is probably not going to be so simple to just wish that requirement away.

I wonder if – if – that is such a large part of the cost, if it could be reduced by moving the point of defense from Mars to Earth: Allow a no-planetary-protection return capsule to leave Mars, come to Earth orbit, and then get protected while in Earth orbit. That still sounds expensive and Rube Goldberg-ish, but would seem to be sub-billions.

Zubrin loves to cut the Gordian Knot. But this particular knot is there for a reason.

[mcaplinger]

Allow a no-planetary-protection return capsule to leave Mars, come to Earth orbit, and then get protected while in Earth orbit.

No, I don't think this helps. Getting into Earth orbit is either risky (aerocapture) or very expensive in terms of delta V. Unless there is some exotic propulsion system or some complex chaotic trajectory. And once you had it in Earth orbit, then what?

His ISRU solution handwaves the difficulty and complexity of making and storing the propellant, but at least it has slightly better mass margins.