Sample Retrieval Lander
Fetch Rover
Perseverance Returns Samples to Lander
Mars Ascent Vehicle
Capture/Containment and Return System
Earth Return Orbiter
Earth Entry System
Sample Retrieval Lander
A NASA-led Sample Retrieval Lander launches to Mars in the mid 2020s, carrying with it an ESA-led sample fetch rover and a NASA-led Mars rocket. The lander would touch down close to Perseverance's landing location, Jezero Crater, and deposit the fetch rover.
Lead: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Fetch Rover
The fetch rover's main job is to pick up the samples stashed by Perseverance, bring them back to the lander, and transfer them to the Mars rocket, the fourth runner in the relay chain.
Lead: European Space Agency
Perseverance Returns Samples to Lander
This relay team has an option built in to send an alternate runner to deliver the samples if needed. As part of this second option, Perseverance can retain some of its collected samples onboard and deliver them directly to the Mars rocket.
Lead: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Mars Ascent Vehicle
The Mars Ascent Vehicle would be the first rocket ever to launch off the surface of Mars, transporting the sample return container into orbit.
Lead: Marshall Space Flight Center
Capture/Containment and Return System
The Capture/Containment and Return System (aboard the Earth Return Orbiter) captures the Orbiting Sample container, orients it and transfers it into a clean zone for return to Earth.
Lead: Goddard Space Flight Center
Earth Return Orbiter
The ESA-led Earth Return Orbiter is the fifth runner in this chain. It carries the NASA-led Capture Containment and Return System and Earth Entry Vehicle.
The return orbiter launches from Earth in the mid 2020s. It meets the sample cache in Mars orbit.
The return system within the orbiter captures and contains the samples, placing them in the entry vehicle. The Earth Return Orbiter then ferries the Earth Entry Vehicle and its precious cargo back to the vicinity of Earth, where the entry vehicle will separate and safely touchdown on land.
Lead: European Space Agency
Earth Entry System
The Earth Entry System contains the orbiting sample inside a disk-shaped vehicle with a heat shield for safe entry through the Earth's atmosphere.
Lead: Langley and Ames Research Centers