Mars Sample Return Lander:
In the second decade of the century, NASA plans additional science orbiters, rovers and landers, and the first mission to
return samples of Martian rock and soil to Earth. Current plans call for the first sample return mission to be launched in
2014, and a second in 2016. Options that would significantly increase the rate of mission launch and/or accelerate the
schedule of exploration are under study, including launching the first sample return mission as early as 2011. Technology
development for advanced capabilities such as miniaturized surface science instruments and deep drilling to hundreds of
meters will also be carried out in this period.
Visit the Mars Sample Return Lander Website
