Will NASA's Sample Return Answer Mars Life Questions? Or Will It Just Help With Astrogeology?

Sunday, May 31, 2015 - 19:00 in Astronomy & Space

When Curiosity's successor and ExoMars land on Mars around 2021, we will see two different approaches to the search for life on Mars side by side. NASA's mission is the first step of a long term sample return program. The ESAs ExoMars rover (in partnership with Russia) will explore Mars in situ for biosignatures as well as drill two meters below the surface. Which is the best approach? A sample return would be great for geology. But how much would it help for astrobiology?NASA's decision was based on the last decadal review in 2012, for the decade 2013 to 2022.  read more

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