NASA’S MARS EXPLORATION PROGRAM: CURRENT ACTIVITIES AND FUTURE PLANS (Invited Presentation)

With three orbiters, two rovers and a helicopter operating at Mars, partnerships on five operating non-NASA missions, a cutting-edge research grant program, and a growing sample return program, NASA’s Planetary Science Division has a very active and vibrant Mars Exploration Program. Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Odyssey and MAVEN continue to provide a wide variety of orbital data to support long-term surface change detection, mapping and atmospheric monitoring efforts. The Curiosity and Perseverance nuclear-powered rovers continue to explore the surface of Mars seeking evidence of ancient life that may be preserved in the rock record, while the Ingenuity helicopter has demonstrated controlled, powered, aerodynamic flight on another planet for the first time. Over the past two decades NASA and the Mars Exploration Program (MEP) have been making progressive steps to better understand the planet and to search for past and present life on Mars through a series of orbiters, landers, and rovers. This critical chapter in Mars exploration would culminate in the return of samples to Earth through the planned Mars Sample Return campaign. The Mars Exploration Program (MEP) is now at an inflection point at which it must adapt to the changing space business environment (i.e., broadening international participation and expanding commercial interest/capability), address critical/aging infrastructure, and prepare for a human presence at Mars. The MEP is in the midst of developing a plan for the future of NASA’s Mars exploration. This plan has several initiatives, including: 1) Expand prospects to explore Mars through competed, lower-cost, more frequent flight opportunities; 2) Strengthen and broaden infrastructure at Mars to enable a diverse set of missions and new opportunities for partnerships; 3) Invest in key technologies to enable expanded access to and scientific understanding of Mars; 4) Enable participation in Mars exploration for all communities.