Mars Sample Return (MSR)

MSR is a planned multi-mission campaign to return geological samples from the surface of Mars back to Earth for scientific analysis. The initial phase — in-situ sample collection — is already underway by the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover. This would be followed by the Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL), and the Capture, Containment and Return System (CCRS). SRL would land on Mars, in the proximity of the Perseverance rover, transfer the sample tubes from it to the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), and launch them into Mars orbit. CCRS would then catch the container with the samples and bring them back to Earth.

I have been involved in the design of the robotic systems on CCRS and SRL, as a Robotics Mechanical Engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA.