Mars Rock Samples
Collected by the Perseverance Rover
NASA's Mars Perseverance rover is building a unique rock collection, which also includes samples of Mars atmosphere and loose surface material. These samples record the history of the Jezero Crater landing site, and may even preserve signs of ancient life. Learn more about these precious samples, which Mars Sample Return could deliver to Earth for detailed study in the future.
SAMPLES BY TYPE
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ALL SAMPLES DATA
Of the 43 tubes Perseverance brought to Mars, 38 are for collecting samples, and five are "witness tubes" designed to document the cleanliness of its sampling system throughout the mission. Three witness tubes have been sealed: on Sol 160 (June 22, 2021), Sol 499 (July 16, 2022), and Sol 586 (Oct. 14, 2022). The third witness tube, sealed at the "Amalik" sampling location, was placed in the rover's backup sample depot.