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NASA Budget Cuts Could Have A Martian Silver Lining
In the face of significant budget cuts to NASA’s Martian sample return mission, one planetary scientist is suggesting a silver lining. Adomas Valantinas, a Brown University expert, proposes that even if the samples collected by Perseverance rover cannot be retrieved for years or even decades, it could lead to unexpected opportunities.
Valantinas argues that the extended time frame would allow Perseverance to explore beyond the Jezero Crater rim, which may uncover new insights into Mars’ ancient past. The Martian surface is crucial to understanding the history of the red planet, and retrieving these samples for analysis in world-class labs could be a game-changer for humanity’s comprehension of the solar system.
Furthermore, Valantinas highlights Iceland as an analog for processes that could have happened on ancient Mars, emphasizing its unique volcanic landscapes, basaltic plains, and lava tunnels. This similarity enables researchers to better understand Martian geology by sampling iron oxide minerals in various environments, from cold springs to hot springs and rivers.
In a surprising twist, Valantinas suggests that even if the sample return is postponed indefinitely, Perseverance’s Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator still has plenty of life left. This could potentially unlock new areas for exploration on Mars, allowing scientists to discover more about the planet’s ancient past.
Moreover, astrobiologists worldwide are eager to analyze the samples in a timely manner. Benton Clark, senior research geochemist at the Space Science Institute, emphasizes that bringing these samples back to Earth could reveal crucial insights into Martian history and potentially even detect evidence of life.
Although NASA budget cuts threaten the sample return mission, Valantinas’ proposal offers an intriguing opportunity for Perseverance to explore beyond Jezero Crater.
Source: www.forbes.com
