Final Report of the Mars Sample Return Science Planning Group 2 (MSPG2)

Article Astronomy & Astrophysics

Time-Sensitive Aspects of Mars Sample Return (MSR) Science

Nicholas J. Tosca et al.

Summary: Samples returned from Mars need to be quarantined and analyzed to ensure safety and prevent loss of scientific information. The process of sample analysis may perturb equilibrium conditions and irreversible processes. It is crucial to understand and monitor time-sensitive processes and develop strategies for stabilization or temporary storage.

ASTROBIOLOGY (2022)

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Article Astronomy & Astrophysics

Planning Implications Related to Sterilization-Sensitive Science Investigations Associated with Mars Sample Return (MSR)

Michael A. Velbel et al.

Summary: The NASA/ESA Mars Sample Return Campaign aims to explore evidence of past life on Mars. Sterilization of the samples can affect measurements, particularly sterilization-sensitive ones. Further research is needed to understand the impact of sterilization on scientific measurements to ensure accurate data.

ASTROBIOLOGY (2022)

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Article Astronomy & Astrophysics

The Scientific Importance of Returning Airfall Dust as a Part of Mars Sample Return (MSR)

Monica M. Grady et al.

Summary: Dust in the martian atmosphere is scientifically interesting and has relevance for future human missions. The MSR Campaign presents an opportunity to return valuable dust samples, which could inform our understanding of Mars' mineralogy, surface processes, and atmospheric circulation. Preliminary calculations suggest that the collected dust could be used for laboratory analyses, and steps should be taken to optimize the collection and recovery of this dust.

ASTROBIOLOGY (2022)

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Article Astronomy & Astrophysics

Rationale and Proposed Design for a Mars Sample Return (MSR) Science Program

Timothy Haltigin et al.

Summary: The Mars Sample Return (MSR) Campaign is an ambitious scientific endeavor that aims to analyze martian samples to achieve unique science benefits. It is crucial to have proper management, oversight, planning, and resources to ensure the success of the campaign. Therefore, a formal MSR Science Management Plan (SMP) is proposed to coordinate and execute the required scientific activities.

ASTROBIOLOGY (2022)

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Article Astronomy & Astrophysics

Scientific Value of Including an Atmospheric Sample as Part of Mars Sample Return (MSR)

Timothy D. Swindle et al.

Summary: The Perseverance rover aims to collect samples of Martian surface and the headspace gas within the sample tubes is of scientific interest. However, obtaining the composition of the Martian atmosphere will require dedicated samples due to various issues. The addition of new strategies, such as collecting gas in empty sample tubes or using specially designed containers, can significantly improve the scientific return.

ASTROBIOLOGY (2022)

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Article Astronomy & Astrophysics

Science and Curation Considerations for the Design of a Mars Sample Return (MSR) Sample Receiving Facility (SRF)

Brandi L. Carrier et al.

Summary: The Sample Receiving Facility (SRF) is the most important element in the ground system of a Mars Sample Return (MSR) Campaign. It is responsible for receiving the returned spacecraft, extracting and analyzing the samples. The scientific community prefers to perform sample-related investigations in PI-led laboratories outside containment for various scientific and technical reasons. The SRF should be designed to accommodate activities that cannot be done in outside laboratories and ensure the scientific value of the samples.

ASTROBIOLOGY (2022)

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Article Astronomy & Astrophysics

Preliminary Planning for Mars Sample Return (MSR) Curation Activities in a Sample Receiving Facility (SRF)

Kimberly T. Tait et al.

Summary: In summary, the MSPG2 group was tasked with identifying curation activities and requirements within the MSR Sample Receiving Facility. Emphasis was placed on the characterization of sample attributes and the importance of providing information for sample catalog preparation and decision-making in scientific investigations. Future work will focus on preparing for sample receipt, including the design of a sample tube isolation chamber and dust removal strategy.

ASTROBIOLOGY (2022)

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Article Astronomy & Astrophysics

COSPAR Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF)

Gerhard Kminek et al.

Summary: The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) has developed the Sample Safety Assessment Framework (SSAF) to evaluate the potential harm of samples returned from Mars. The framework is based on a positive hypothesis that seeks to exclude the presence of Martian life in the samples. Further work is needed to determine the level of assurance, conduct analogue tests, and gather relevant contamination knowledge. The framework can be applied to other Mars sample return missions.

ASTROBIOLOGY (2022)

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Review Astronomy & Astrophysics