NASA has selected seven companies to conduct studies on innovative concepts for the Mars Sample Return (MSR) program, aiming to deliver samples from Mars more efficiently and at a lower cost. By exploring “out of the box” solutions, NASA hopes to expedite the sample return process and reduce expenses. The company’s study, titled “Enabling Mars Sample Return with Starship,” leverages its development of the Starship rocket, which is designed for deep space missions, including potential manned missions to Mars. The Path Forward for Mars Sample ReturnNASA’s approach to commissioning these studies reflects a comprehensive effort to explore all possible avenues for improving the MSR mission. The culmination of these studies will provide NASA with a wealth of data and potential solutions, allowing the agency to craft a new approach for the Mars Sample Return mission.