Mars Sample Return |
Mars Sample Return |
Apr 7 2006, 07:32 AM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 370 Joined: 12-September 05 From: France Member No.: 495 |
Next phase reached in definition of Mars Sample Return mission
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMJAGNFGLE_index_0.html |
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Jul 2 2007, 08:07 PM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 172 Joined: 17-March 06 Member No.: 709 |
Recent written comments by Alan Stern indicate that he wants to initiate MSR, Mars
Sample Return, in the near future, perhaps in FY2008. Also, the National Academy of Sciences now recommends a new approach to MSR. Instead of one Grand mission, it should be spread out over several years. It suggests that all future Mars rovers be equipped with a sample caching system. After several missions, NASA/ESA would decide whcih site held the best samples, and a retrieval system would be sent. Once the samples were launched into Martian orbit, they could linger there until an orbital rendezvous vehicle was sent. This would spread the risk and cost over several years, instead of gambling everything in one Battlestar Galactica mission. The recent Orbital Express mission has been a pathfinder for an unmanned rendezvous and docking craft that would be an important part of MSR. However, it's mission is ending before NASA has a chance to fully utilize it. See the article on this link - http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/07063...al_express.html Another Phil Here is a view from Orbital Express. Imagine that someday, someday this will be the view from Martian orbit as the Mars Ascent Vehicle closes in for docking with the Earth Return Vehicle. The background view will be slightly different. We will see the Martian deserts below, but only empty river channels and rift valleys. Go to http://www.darpa.mil/orbitalexpress/mission_updates.html for more photos. |
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