"Challenges and Opportunities in Mars Sample Return Mission Funding"

Efforts to collect Mars samples continue as the Perseverance rover has filled 26 of its 43 sample tubes, with plans to explore the crater rim for diverse rocks. NASA is finalizing a review of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) architecture amid budget uncertainty, with the MSR IRB Response Team expected to complete its assessment by the end of the month. The fiscal year 2025 budget proposal left MSR funding as TBD, reflecting uncertainty about the program's plans, while NASA must also develop an operating plan for fiscal year 2024 funding provided by an appropriations bill. Despite the uncertainty, NASA officials emphasize the scientific value of MSR and await the MIRT results to shape the future architecture and schedule.