Mars Sample Return

Rocket Lab's commercial solution to investigate bringing Mars samples to Earth

The Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission represents one of the most ambitious and scientifically valuable endeavors in NASA’s history. For the mission to be successful, NASA requires innovative and reliable industry partners. Our MSR mission is designed to put Mars samples in the hands of scientists faster and more affordably.

Rocket Lab is ready to enable this mission.

Here's our mission concept.

Mission Overview

A round trip from Earth to Mars employing advanced
Rocket Lab technology every step of the way.

Advanced technology that builds on Rocket Lab's proven experience

Mars Telecommunications
Orbiter

Mars Ascent
Vehicle

Earth Return
Orbiter

Entry and Descent
System

Mars Lander +
Retrieval Vehicle

Earth Entry
System

Mars Telecommunications Orbiter

The Mars Telecommunications Orbiter (MTO) launches first to provide support for arrival of the Earth Return Orbiter and entry of the Sample Return Lander at Mars. The MTO will also serve an upgraded telecommunication relay asset for MSR surface operations and future missions.

Multi-Launch from Earth

Three dedicated launches to provide orbital and surface assets to Mars.

Entry and Descent System

The Entry and Descent System will deliver Sample Retrieval Lander and Mars Ascent Vehicle to the surface of Mars.

Mars Lander Vehicle + Mars Ascent Vehicle

The Mars Lander Vehicle houses the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) which will land on the surface of Mars and serve as the launch pad for the MAV.

The MAV includes the Orbiting Sample (OS) container which will house the carefully selected Martian samples. Once launched, the MAV will rendezvous with the Earth Return Orbiter to capture the OS.

Earth Return Orbiter

The Earth Return Orbiter (ERO) rendezvous with and captures the OS, sterilizing and then containing it inside the Earth Entry System (EES) before returning to Earth.

Earth Entry System

Housed within the ERO, the Earth Entry System (EES) will safely and precisely deliver the Martian samples to Earth.

Earth re-entry capsule.

The EES ballistically enters and impacts in the Utah desert

Our Experience On Mars

This is not our first encounter with the Red Planet.

The very rover already on Mars that has collected the samples for MSR carries our technology. Our solar panels provided power for NASA’s Perseverance Rover’s cruise stage spacecraft and again on the Mars Ingenuity Helicopter.

We’ve designed, built, and tested two Mars bound spacecraft in just under 3.5 years – at cost and on time. The orbiters, rovers, landers, and helicopters of Mars all bear Rocket Lab’s fingerprints.