NASA will launch a rocket from another planet for the first time in history
Miscellaneous / / February 09, 2022
NASA space agency ordered Lockheed Martin Space is developing the MAV (Mars Ascent Vehicle) to launch a rocket from Mars. It will deliver soil samples collected by the rover into orbit. Perseverance.
According to NASA calculations, the launch of the MAV as part of the MSR program (Mars Sample Return Mission - a mission to return samples from Mars) may take place in 2026-2028. Martian soil will arrive on Earth in the mid-2030s. The amount of the contract for the development of MAV is 194 million US dollars.
NASA is working on the MSR program with the European Space Agency (ESA). One of the key points of the program was the sending of the Perseverance rover to Mars. He is now collecting soil samples in Lake Jezero crater and has already packaged six samples in airtight test tubes.
The MAV with a small rocket on board will be delivered to Mars inside the descent module. A European rover will be sent along with it, which will take test tubes with soil from Perseverance and place them in a rocket. She, in turn, will start from Mars and enter the circumplanetary orbit. Then the Earth Return Orbiter will approach the rocket, which will pick up the cargo and go with it to Earth.
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