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NASA collected potential evidence of life on Mars. Now it's pitching new plans to retrieve the cache

NASA's Perseverance rover has been collecting samples on Mars, including what could be evidence of past life, with 23 samples now stored in tubes on the Martian surface. These samples are part of a mission to explore signs of ancient life and understand Mars' geological history. However, retrieving these samples back to Earth has become a complex and costly endeavor. Originally, the plan involved a direct return mission, but due to budget constraints and technical challenges, NASA is now considering alternative strategies. One such plan includes a "fetch" mission where a lander would collect the samples and launch them into Mars' orbit for a subsequent spacecraft to retrieve and return to Earth. This new approach aims to reduce costs and manage risks better, although it would extend the timeline for sample return. The urgency of this mission is underscored by the potential scientific value of the samples, which could provide insights into Mars' habitability and the broader search for life in the universe.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/technology/nasa-collected-potential-evidence-of-life-on-mars-now-it-s-pitching-new-plans-to-retrieve-the-cache/ar-AA1x8clo ]