Mars Sample
Return
Land. Retrieve. Deploy. Return.
Our MSR concept delivers returned samples to Earth faster, more affordably, and at a firm-fixed price.
A round trip from Earth to Mars employing advanced
Rocket Lab technology every step of the way.
Mission Overview
Advanced technology
that builds on Rocket Lab's
proven experience
Mars Telecommunications
Orbiter
Mars Ascent
Vehicle
Earth Return
Orbiter
Entry and Descent
System
Mars Lander +
Retrieval Vehicle
Earth Entry
System
1
Mars Telecommunications Orbiter
The Mars Telecommunications Orbiter (MTO) launches first to provide support for arrival of the Earth Return Orbiter and entry of the Sample Return Lander at Mars. The MTO will also serve an upgraded telecommunication relay asset for MSR surface operations and future missions.
2
Multi-Launch from Earth
Three dedicated launches to provide orbital and surface assets to Mars.
3
Entry and Descent System
The Entry and Descent System will deliver Sample Retrieval Lander and Mars Ascent Vehicle to the surface of Mars.
4
Mars Lander Vehicle + Mars Ascent Vehicle
The Mars Lander Vehicle houses the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) which will land on the surface of Mars and serve as the launch pad for the MAV.
The MAV includes the Orbiting Sample (OS) container which will house the carefully selected Martian samples. Once launched, the MAV will rendezvous with the Earth Return Orbiter to capture the OS.
5
Earth Return Orbiter
The Earth Return Orbiter (ERO) rendezvous with and captures the OS, sterilizing and then containing it inside the Earth Entry System (EES) before returning to Earth.
6
Earth Entry System
Housed within the ERO, the Earth Entry System (EES) will safely and precisely deliver the Martian samples to Earth.
7
Earth re-entry capsule.
The EES ballistically enters and impacts in the Utah desert
Strengthening American
Leadership in Space
The MTO will be a national capability that embodies the Administration’s vision for a streamlined, innovative, and fiscally responsible path to America’s Golden Age of innovation and exploration. By advancing the nations critical communications infrastructure at Mars, the MTO keeps the U.S. ahead of its competitors to put the first humans and the first sustainable systems on Mars.
The Mars relay is the
first step to putting
Americans
on Mars