It’s no secret that the Mars Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Drone have already captured the world’s attention with their groundbreaking missions on the Red Planet. But now, the next phase of this extraordinary endeavor is set to take place – the Mars Sample Return Mission. This mission aims to collect samples from the Martian surface and bring them back to Earth for further study. However, the success of this mission is currently hanging in the balance as engineers grapple with the challenge of developing a gripper arm capable of safely and securely collecting and stowing the precious samples.

Mars, often referred to as the “Red Planet,” has long captivated human imagination with its rusty-red hue and enigmatic landscapes. From the largest volcano, Olympus Mons, to the deepest canyon, Valles Marineris, Mars has proven to be a world of wonders. While early speculation once entertained the idea of alien life on Mars, exploration has revealed a desolate and barren terrain unlike any other in our solar system.

The history of Mars exploration dates back to the landing of Viking 1 on July 20, 1976, marking the first successful spacecraft touchdown on the Martian surface. Since then, a multitude of missions have furthered our understanding of Mars, culminating in the recent arrival of the Perseverance rover and its accompanying Ingenuity aircraft.

Perseverance’s mission objective includes the collection of samples from Martian rocks and soil using its onboard drill. Through a process known as ‘sample caching,’ these samples are carefully encapsulated in tubes and deposited on the planet’s surface for future retrieval. This pioneering procedure sets the stage for the forthcoming Mars Sample Return mission, which aims to transport these samples back to Earth for in-depth analysis. With 23 titanium tubes now awaiting transport, Perseverance has paved the way for the next chapter in Martian exploration.

The upcoming Mars Sample Return mission, a collaborative effort between NASA and ESA, is currently focused on developing a robotic arm prototype capable of retrieving the tubes from the Martian surface. This intricate process involves a gripper with two ‘fingers’ designed to delicately grasp the sealed tubes without causing damage. Each tube contains Martian samples roughly the size of a piece of classroom chalk, making the retrieval process a meticulous task. The robotic arm’s functionality extends to collecting samples directly from Perseverance, further showcasing the precision required for this mission.

While meticulous planning is crucial for any space mission, backup strategies are always in place to address unforeseen challenges. In the case of the Sample Return mission, the backup plan involves utilizing two helicopters fashioned after the design of the Ingenuity aircraft. These helicopters would be tasked with collecting the tubes and transferring them to the lander for eventual return to Earth. With a planned landing on Mars in 2028 and samples expected back on Earth by 2033, the Mars Sample Return mission stands as a testament to humanity’s enduring curiosity and ambition.

Source: Grip on Mars