Meet the 22nd Martian sample collected by NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover – “Pelican Point,” the first sample taken from an area in Jezero Crater that has intrigued scientists since orbital images showed it to be rich in carbonate, a mineral linked to habitability. What formed this “Margin Unit” – ancient volcanoes, an ancient shore line, or something else? By answering that question, scientists can better understand the evolution of the Red Planet.

As of early December 2023, the Perseverance rover has collected and sealed 23 scientifically selected samples inside pristine tubes as part of the Mars Sample Return campaign. The next stage is to get them to Earth for study.

Considered one of the highest priorities by the scientists in the Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023-2032, Mars Sample Return would be the first mission to return samples from another planet and provides the best opportunity to reveal the early evolution of Mars, including the potential for ancient life. NASA is teaming with ESA (European Space Agency) on this important endeavor.

A key objective for Perseverance's mission on Mars is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life. The rover will characterize the planet's geology and past climate, pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet, as well as be the first mission to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith (broken rock and dust).

Read about all the carefully selected samples: https://mars.nasa.gov/mars-rock-samples

Learn more about the Mars Sample Return campaign: https://mars.nasa.gov/msr

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS/JHU-APL/Purdue/USGS