Rationale and Proposed Design for a Mars Sample Return (MSR) Science Program.

Area of Science:

• Planetary Science
• Astrobiology
• Space Mission Operations

Background:

• The Mars Sample Return (MSR) Campaign is a highly ambitious scientific endeavor aiming to analyze Martian samples.
• Orbital and landed missions provide remote sensing and in situ data, but analyzing returned samples offers unique scientific benefits.
• Effective execution of MSR requires significant planning, coordination, and dedicated resources for scientific activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a comprehensive MSR Science Program and a formal Science Management Plan (SMP).
• To ensure proper design, management, and execution of all scientific activities throughout the MSR Campaign.
• To define the necessary scientific bodies, activities, and management structures for MSR success.

Main Methods:

• Development of inputs for an MSR Campaign SMP by a dedicated SMP Focus Group.
• Proposal of a comprehensive MSR Science Program structure based on guiding principles and lessons learned from previous missions.
• Consideration of interfaces with the Mars 2020 mission, flight program, ground infrastructure, and data management.

Main Results:

• A proposed MSR Science Program structure with specific bodies and activities.
• Identification of the need for a joint science management structure and documented agreements among MSR Partners.
• Emphasis on the requirement for a long-term ESA/NASA MSR Science Program with dedicated funding and resources.

Conclusions:

• A formal MSR Science Management Plan is critical for coordinating scientific elements and maximizing return.
• The proposed structure leverages past experiences and emphasizes efficiency and elimination of overlap.
• Establishing the science program's management structure promptly is essential for timely decision-making.