🧵 China Plans for Mars Sample Return Mission in 2028, 2 Years Ahead of Schedule
Anonymous at Sat, 14 Sep 2024 14:30:37 UTC No. 16379997
The Mars launch window is once every 780 days.
Initially, China planned to launch their Mars sample return mission in 2030. But they've now scheduled it for 2028, since all their instruments are finishing ahead of schedule.
Comparatively, the US planned to launch their own Mars sample return mission in 2033, but have delayed it to 2040 in April of this year, citing budget and slow tech development concerns. The budget is now $11B instead of the proposed $7B. But the budget will likely rise again, given we're still 16 years from launch.
What do we think of this?
Anonymous at Sat, 14 Sep 2024 16:10:55 UTC No. 16380146
Oh no, China will get useless dirt before us. That sucks.
Anonymous at Sat, 14 Sep 2024 16:14:06 UTC No. 16380150
>>16379997
Can't we ask the Chinese nicely to pick up the other samples whilst they're there? I reckon they would do it.
Anonymous at Sat, 14 Sep 2024 16:18:38 UTC No. 16380161
>>16379997
Hello Canadian Chang, did /int/ not humor you enough?
Anonymous at Sat, 14 Sep 2024 16:22:00 UTC No. 16380171
>>16380150
Sample returns are small. There would probably be more than 2kg worth of samples.
How much do the 27 samples Perseverance collect weigh? Would probably have to be selective in what they bring back.