NASA won't decide on Mars Sample Return plan until mid-2026

This photomontage shows each of the sample tubes deposited by NASA's Perseverance Mars rover at the Three Forks sample depot, as viewed by the WATSON camera on the end of the rover's robotic arm. .

NASA is considering two ways to get its precious Mars samples back to Earth, but the agency won't pick a winner for another 18 months or so.

Analysis of those samples, which are being collected by NASA's Perseverance rover, could reveal a wealth of data about Mars and its history — including, perhaps, whether the Red Planet has ever hosted life.