Experts from the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA have completed the design validation and technical analysis of the Earth Return Orbiter (ERO) project, which is expected to transport soil samples collected by the Perseverance rover from the Red Planet to Earth.
The approval of the ERO design allows the project to move into the production and testing phase. So far, companies from 11 European countries will begin manufacturing the probe’s components.
During its mission to deliver samples of Martian soil collected by the Perseverance rover to Earth, ERO, in orbit around Mars, will need to safely capture a basketball-sized capsule full of samples before delivering it to Earth. ERO will also be used as a repeater to provide communications to rovers operating on the Red Planet’s surface.
We will remind you that the first mission to transport soil from the Red Planet to Earth is planned for the end of the current decade, the beginning of the next decade.