Artistic Concept Of The Perseverance Sample Return From Mars

The Mars Sample Return Earth Entry System is seen in this artist's concept. The vehicle would transport selected Martian samples acquired by NASA's Perseverance Rover on the last leg of its trip from Mars to Earth.

The Earth Entry System, a capsule about 4 feet (1.25 metres) in diameter, is seen on its final approach to Earth after being launched from the Earth Return Orbiter. Once in the atmosphere, the vehicle would take roughly six minutes to land at the United States Air Force's Utah Test and Training Range in west-central Utah. The parachute-less capsule's touchdown velocity is predicted to be around 90 mph (40 metres per second).

Credit: NASA/ESA/JPL-Caltech/GSFC