An independent review found that NASA’s Mars Sample Return mission plans are unrealistic and need significant changes. NASA hoped to launch the first elements in 2028 for $4.4 billion, but the review estimates a 2030 start at the earliest for $8-11 billion. The report states that the mission was established with unreasonable budget and schedule expectations and an unwieldy organization. It echoes earlier concerns raised by Ars Technica and some NASA scientists that the growing costs could take away from other science missions. Under the current plan, the Perseverance rover will collect samples and deliver them to a lander, which will then launch them into Martian orbit for pickup and return to Earth around 2033.

Notably, the review suggested a single helicopter may suffice for backup sample retrieval instead of the proposed two.

NASA’s Perseverance rover has been collecting valuable rock samples from Mars’ Jezero Crater to search for signs of ancient life. An independent report found that NASA’s plan to return these samples to Earth by the late 2020s at a cost of $4 billion is unworkable, and will actually cost between $8-11 billion. While returning the first samples from Mars is scientifically important, the project’s budget has increased as engineers have refined complex mission designs. There are also competing priorities for funding within NASA’s $3.2 billion planetary science budget. The report recommends delaying launches originally planned for 2027-2028, and developing an alternative strategy. If launched by 2030, the revised mission could still cost $8-9.6 billion.

NASA will now reassess plans to determine how to accomplish the strategically and scientifically important goal of returning the first Martian rocks to Earth for detailed study.

Japanese scientists have found microplastics present in cloud water samples collected from Mount Fuji and Mount Oyama. Analysis revealed between 6.7 to 13.9 pieces of microplastic per liter of cloud water. Nine types of polymers and one type of rubber were identified. Microplastics have been shown to degrade when exposed to sunlight, contributing to greenhouse gases. This suggests microplastics may now be an intrinsic part of clouds and the atmosphere. Microplastics are ingested by both humans and animals, and have been detected in various organs. An estimated 10 million tons of microplastics end up in the oceans each year through ocean spray. If not addressed, plastic air pollution poses risks to climate change and the environment.

The study provides the first evidence of microplastics present in cloud water.