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

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SUMMARY

NASA is exploring innovative methods to transport Mars samples back to Earth, but proposed solutions involving shaped charges face significant challenges. Key issues include the complexity of orbital mechanics, the limited amount of material that could be lofted, and the potential damage to samples during launch and recovery. Additionally, the energy required for such operations would be comparable to that of nuclear warheads, raising ethical concerns about the implications of such actions on Mars.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics
  • Knowledge of material science related to extraterrestrial samples
  • Familiarity with aerospace engineering principles
  • Awareness of ethical considerations in space exploration
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  • Research advanced orbital mechanics for sample retrieval missions
  • Study the effects of high-energy impacts on geological samples
  • Explore alternative methods for Mars sample return, such as robotic missions
  • Investigate the ethical implications of planetary protection policies
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Aerospace engineers, planetary scientists, ethicists in space exploration, and anyone interested in the logistics of interplanetary sample return missions.

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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