NASA has announced a new plan to bring rock and soil samples from Mars to Earth, aiming to cut costs and speed up the mission. The original plan, estimated at $11 billion, faced criticism for being too expensive and slow, with a timeline pushing the return of samples to 2040. In response, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson paused the project and called for better alternatives. Now, NASA has proposed two options, costing between $6 billion and $7 billion, to retrieve samples collected by the Perseverance rover, which landed on Mars in 2021. These samples, stored in titanium tubes, are vital for studying ancient Martian environments and searching for microscopic life. Both options aim to return the materials to Earth by the 2030s, ahead of planned human missions to Mars. One plan uses the sky crane, a proven rocket-steered landing platform, while the other involves new systems developed by private companies.

The revised plans focus on using advanced technology to make the mission more efficient and reliable. For example, NASA plans to clean the sample tubes on Mars instead of during their return. Switching from solar to nuclear power also addresses problems caused by Martian dust storms. NASA stresses the need for funding to keep the project on track. A final decision, based on design reviews, is expected next year.