NASA is seeking a faster, cheaper way to bring Mars samples to Earth

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    Mars Rocket
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a proposed method for bringing Mars samples to Earth using a rocket equipped with shaped charges to excavate material and direct it back towards Earth. The scope includes theoretical considerations of orbital mechanics, material recovery, and potential damage to samples.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests sending a rocket to Mars with shaped charges to excavate material and direct it back to Earth.
  • Another participant argues against this idea, citing the difficulty of orbital mechanics, the small amount of material that could be lofted, and the potential damage to the samples during launching and recovery.
  • A further response reiterates the challenges, emphasizing that the energy required would be substantial, potentially comparable to that of a nuclear warhead, and raises concerns about the implications of such an action.
  • Another participant humorously comments on the idea of "Martians" not appreciating nuclear actions, indicating a light-hearted tone in the discussion.
  • One participant references existing studies and tools, such as rovers, that are already in use for analyzing Mars, suggesting that there are alternative methods for studying the planet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility of the proposed method, with some expressing skepticism about its practicality and others highlighting existing methods for Mars exploration. No consensus is reached regarding the original proposal.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the technical capabilities of rockets and the nature of Martian materials, which remain unresolved. The implications of using high-energy methods for sample retrieval are also noted but not fully explored.

Colin Wilson
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TL;DR
Returning Mars samples to Earth.
Would it be possible to send a rocket to Mars containing a number of shaped charges that could be directed at the surface, timed and positioned to direct the excavated material back towards Earth for collection above the atmosphere?
 
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Probably not.
1) The orbital mechanics would be almost impossible.
2) The amount of material lofted would be small.
3) The launching and recovery of the samples would be highly “damaging”.
 
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Ya, Sort of what I thought the response would be. Probably why I'm not working for NASA.
 
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Frabjous said:
Probably not.
1) The orbital mechanics would be almost impossible.
2) The amount of material lofted would be small.
3) The launching and recovery of the samples would be highly “damaging”.
Not to mention that the material would be heated, deformed and otherwise rendered useless for any kind of studies if you could get some of it into orbit. The amount of energy needed would likely be in the nuclear warhead range. The Martians might not appreciate us dropping nukes on them. :olduhh:
 
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Borg said:
The Martians might not appreciate us dropping nukes on them. :olduhh:

1713284651735.jpeg
 
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