Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to NASA press conference title: "Opportunity Hits the Beach"

Sample return just became a lot more likely
dtb — (archived)

So we now know that we have thick exposed outcrops of sediments laid down by salty surface water, in a precisely known location in what is easily traversible terrain.

That sure loosens the requirements for a sample return mission. If you could land relatively precisely (within a few km), all you'd need to do is build a vehicle with MER-class mobility and landing capability, equipped with sample collection equipment, and just aim it at Endurance Crater.

That doesn't solve the problems of the ascent stage, on-orbit rendezvouz, whatever. But, we do know that we could find rocks that would be absolutely worth sampling without having send a rover capable of travelling long distances over tough terrain. And without a huge amount of on-board lab equipment, since we're already sure these rocks are worth it.

Since we'd be guarranteed of getting worthwhile samples, I think this finding does buy us a lot in terms of getting funding for later missions. No need to ditch the "looking for life" paradigm.

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