NASA is seeking a cheaper, simpler approach to one of its top science priorities in the midst of a budget crunch – retrieving precious soil samples collected on Mars and flying them back to Earth, US space agency officials said on Monday (Apr 15).
On Tuesday, NASA will issue a formal request for proposals to its centers, laboratories, and space industry companies. This aims to overhaul a program entangled in technical challenges and rising costs.
Agency officials said in a conference call with reporters they expect alternative plans submitted for review this fall or early winter.
Associate Nasa administrator Nicky Fox said the overhaul would focus on “innovation and proven technology”, rather than on huge new technological leaps, as a way of reducing development time, risks and costs.
While it’s uncertain how NASA will address this challenge, the agency is exploring innovative solutions. Leveraging existing technology may offer a path forward.
To address these budget constraints, NASA is exploring a variety of strategies and methodologies. One approach involves leveraging existing technologies and partnerships to reduce expenses without compromising the mission’s scientific objectives. By prioritizing cost-effectiveness, NASA aims to maximize the value of its investment in the Mars sample return mission. This entails careful evaluation and optimization of every aspect of the mission, from spacecraft design to mission operations.
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