1 hour agoShareSaveRebecca MorelleScience editorShareSaveNASA/JPLPerseverance has been collecting samples while it’s been exploring Mars – including the rocks found at the Bright Angel Formation. They have been stored in canisters, and will be deposited on the surface of Mars awaiting a mission that could return them.Nasa’s plans for such an endeavour hang in the balance because of the threatened budget cuts, but China is also pursuing a sample return mission that could launch in 2028.While the decision is debated, scientists are desperate to get their gloved hands on the rocks.”We need to see these samples back on Earth,” said Prof Gupta.”I think for true confidence, most scientists would want to see and examine these rocks on Earth – this is one of our high priority samples to return.”
