that may contain evidence of alien life.
Since 2021, NASA's Perseverance rover has been busy collecting rocks and sediments in an ancient Martian lakebed. However, NASA isn't sure how to get these samples back to Earth for analysis.
released on Tuesday (Jan. 7).
, NASA administrator, said in the statement. "These samples have the potential to change the way we understand Mars, our universe, and – ultimately – ourselves."
Related: Boost for Mars life? Red Planet's magnetic field may have lasted longer than thought
The hunt for life on Mars
in the Jezero crater lakebed. Scientists won't know for sure what's in the samples until they get them back to Earth and study them in a lab.
reported.
In September 2024, NASA accepted 11 sample return proposals from researchers and private companies to revamp the program. NASA will explore and evaluate two of these proposals as part of the latest announcement.
Two paths forward
reported.
that will launch no sooner than 2027 — will then collect and transport the samples back to Earth.
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