Mars Ascent Vehicle

The Mars Ascent Vehicle is a lightweight rocket that would transport the Orbiting Sample, into Mars orbit as part of NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA)  Mars Sample Return Program. It would be the first rocket ever to launch off the surface of another planet, and would transport the sample tubes containing Martian rock, atmosphere, and loose surface material into orbit around Mars. The rocket and enclosed sample container would travel to Mars inside the Sample Retrieval Lander, and would remain aboard until loaded with samples and prepped for launch. Once the sample container reaches Mars orbit orbit, ESA's Earth Return Orbiter would capture and store it in a secure containment capsule for safe delivery to Earth.

The Orbiting Sample container would hold up to 30 tubes filled with Martian rock and atmospheric samples from the Perseverance rover. NASA's Mars Perseverance rover has been collecting Martian rock and atmospheric samples since landing on Mars in February 2021. The rover has been caching the samples for potential pickup by the Mars Sample Return Campaign. Held safely inside of the rover, the samples would be transferred to the Orbiting Sample aboard the Mars Ascent Vehicle as the next step on its journey to Earth.