If the Mars 2020 rover acquires a scientifically well-chosen set of samples, with sufficient geological diversity, and if those samples were returned to Earth, then major progress can be expected on all seven of the objectives proposed in this study, regardless of the final choice of landing site.A significant fraction of the value of the MSR sample collection would come from its organization into sample suites, which are small groupings of samples designed to represent key aspects of geologic or geochemical variation.(B) Local context will be established at field area- to outcrop- to hand sample- to hand lens scale using the instruments carried by M-2020. (A) Regional and planetary context will be established by the on-going work of the multi-agency fleet of Mars orbiters. In the case of the M-2020 samples, the context is expected to be excellent, and at multiple scales.
Our ability to interpret the source geologic units and processes by studying sample sub sets is highly dependent on the quality of the sample context.
While they are not explicit recommendations, we suggest that they should serve as guidelines for future decision making regarding planning of potential future MSR missions. Several specific findings were identified during the iMOST study. Summary of Objectives and Sub-Objectives for MSR Identified by iMOST They also have implications for how analogous investigations might be conducted for samples returned by future missions from other solar system bodies, especially those that may harbor biologically relevant or sensitive material, such as Ocean Worlds (Europa, Enceladus, Titan) and others.
These seven objectives provide a framework for demonstrating how the first set of returned Martian samples would impact future Martian science and exploration. Within the main part of the report, the importance to science and/or engineering of each objective is described, critical measurements that would address the objectives are specified, and the kinds of samples that would be most likely to carry key information are identified. The first two objectives are further divided into sub-objectives. Seven objectives have been defined for MSR, traceable through two decades of previously published international priorities. The iMOST team has also undertaken to define the measurements and the types of samples that can best address the objectives.
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The purpose of the team is to re-evaluate and update the sample-related science and engineering objectives of a Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign. Affirmation by NASA and ESA of the importance of Mars exploration led the agencies to establish the international MSR Objectives and Samples Team (iMOST). Return of samples from the surface of Mars has been a goal of the international Mars science community for many years.