Final Report of the Mars Sample Return Science Planning Group 2 (MSPG2)

Area of Science:

• Planetary Science
• Astrobiology
• Sample Curation

Background:

• The Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign is a joint NASA/ESA endeavor to retrieve samples from Mars.
• Engineering responsibilities are defined, but scientific roles and Sample Receiving Facility (SRF) requirements need full definition.
• The Mars Sample Return Science Planning Group 2 (MSPG2) was chartered to address these scientific planning aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

• Define an end-to-end MSR Science Program.
• Outline needed functionalities and design requirements for the MSR Sample Receiving Facility (SRF).
• Address challenges in sample handling, pristine condition maintenance, and biological containment.

Main Methods:

• The MSPG2 convened to build upon previous planning efforts.
• Reviewed challenges related to sample integrity and planetary protection.
• Produced six reports detailing 66 findings and recommendations.

Main Results:

• A long-term NASA/ESA MSR Science Program with adequate funding and resources is essential.
• MSR sample curation must occur concurrently with Biosafety Level-4 containment, necessitating technological development.
• Most MSR sample science can be conducted outside the SRF, but time-sensitive and sterilization-sensitive analyses require SRF facilities.
• The SRF needs substantial analytical and sample management capabilities for unique MSR science, curation, and planetary protection needs.

Conclusions:

• Immediate commencement of SRF design, construction, and certification is critical due to long lead times.
• Proactive planning and resource allocation are vital for the scientific success of the MSR campaign.
• Addressing scientific and containment challenges requires dedicated long-term planning and infrastructure development.