Mars Sample Return (MSR)

Going Over the Footpad Test Data

JPL engineer Patrick DeGrosse reviews data from a drop test of a full-size lander footpad with a group of fellow…

A Full-Size Footpad Test

This setup is being used at JPL to test a 16-inch-diameter (40-centimeter-diameter) footpad for a future Mars lander.

Setting Guardrails for Mars Lander Testing

Morgan Montalvo, another JPL engineer, sets guardrails on the floor below the prototype in a test of a scenario where…

Testing a Prototype Mars Lander

Engineer Abel Dizon explains how drop tests are conducted for a prototype lander being designed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory…

Artist’s Concept of the Earth Entry System for Mars Sample Return

This artist's concept shows Mars Sample Return Earth Entry System. The vehicle would bring curated Martian samples collected by NASA's…

Mars Ascent Vehicle Second Stage Test

A development motor based on the second-stage solid rocket motor design for NASA's Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) undergoes testing March…

Illustration of the Capture, Containment, and Return System for Mars Sample Return

This illustration shows the proposed Capture, Containment, and Return System, a NASA payload on the European Space Agency's Earth Return…

Artist’s concept of the Capture, Containment, and Return System

This artist's concept shows the proposed Capture, Containment, and Return System, a NASA payload on the European Space Agency's Earth…

Artist’s Concept of Earth Return Orbiter Releasing Capsule containing Martian Samples

This illustration shows the Earth Return Orbiter (ERO), one of the flight missions making up the Mars Sample Return campaign…