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ESA’s first step towards Mars Sample Return

12 November 2003

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Artist's impression of the Mars Sample Return orbiter. As currently envisaged, the Mars Sample Return will be a two-stage endeavour: a spacecraft that includes a return capsule to be launched in 2011 and inserted into orbit around Mars, to be followed two years later by a second spacecraft carrying a descent module and a Mars ascent vehicle.

Credits: ESA

Bringing Mars back to Earth

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Artist's view of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) ascent module lifting off from Mars' surface with the Martian soil samples.

Credits: ESA

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