Planetary Science

Mars

The most explored world beyond Earth — and the next place humans will stand.

Mars is the proving ground for everything humanity wants to do beyond Earth. A fleet of orbiters, landers and rovers has mapped its ancient riverbeds and lake floors, sampled its atmosphere and cached rock cores for return to Earth — all in pursuit of one question: did life ever begin here?

See Mars in the Solar System ExplorerThe most explored planet beyond Earth — and the next horizon.Mars imagery in the Gallery

Missions to Mars

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Mars Sample Return

NASA · Mars

Mars Sample Return

The Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign is an ambitious joint initiative by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) designed to bring pristine Martian soil, rock cores, and atmospheric samples back to Earth for the first time in human history. Building upon the groundwork laid by the Perseverance rover—which has been collecting and sealing scientifically valuable samples in Jezero Crater—this multi-vehicle mission involves complex robotics, a launch from the surface of another planet, and an orbital rendezvous to deliver the samples safely back to terrestrial laboratories for advanced, in-depth analysis.

In Development

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