The sample, and dozens more like it, could come to Earth as early as 2033.
The nominal plan is for Perseverance to deliver the rock cores to a NASA sample-return lander, which will also carry a small rocket. The rocket will launch the samples to Mars orbit, where they'll meet up with an ESA-provided Earth return orbiter.
Perseverance is collecting two samples from each rock that it drills, however. The rover will keep one set of samples on board and cache the other set in one or more"depots" on Jezero's floor. The depots represent a backup option, in case Perseverance isn't able to haul the samples to the lander. The lander will also carryThe 13th sample picked up by NASA's Perseverance rover sits safely in the collection system.helicopter that accompanied Perseverance to the surface in February 2021 well beyond its design lifetime, and finding that the helicopter is doing well — presenting an opportunity for future drone development.
Ingenuity was originally rated for just five flights and is now looking to break that mark by at least sevenfold. Its most recent and 33rd flight took place in late September; although it landed safely, officials are examiningFollow Elizabeth Howell on Twitter
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