Mars Mission Planning

iMARS Initiative | Mars Sample Return

iMARS – Phase 1

The international Mars Architecture for the Return of Samples (iMARS) was founded as an international committee under the umbrella of IMEWG. In 2007, an iMARS working group (Phase I) was chartered to develop a plan for an international Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission potentially occurring in the timeframe 2018-2023.

iMARS – Phase 2

In 2014, IMEWG chartered a Phase 2 International Mars Architecture for the Return of Samples (iMARS) Working Group, comprising of two expert panels spanning both Engineering and Science/Earth Operations. The iMARS Phase 2 Working Group was tasked to provide: a status report on planning for a Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign, building on missions and international developments achieved since the iMARS Phase 1 WG issued its report; and to deliver recommendations for progressing toward campaign implementation, including a proposed sample management plan.

The Phase 2 Working Group’s key conclusions are that it is feasible to return scientifically selected samples from Mars in 2031/33 under the proposed mission architecture, technology development roadmap, and sample management plan. A successful campaign will depend on early and binding agreements for long-term commitments by participating organisations. Returning samples from Mars will require a multidisciplinary approach. (iMARS Report)