International cooperation for Mars exploration and sample return

摘要: The National Research Council's Space Studies Board has previously recommended that the next major phase of Mars exploration for United States involve detailed in situ investigations surface and return to earth laboratory analysis selected Martian samples. More recently, European space science community expressed general interest concept cooperative sample return. USSR now announced plans a program incorporating international cooperation. If opportunity becomes available participate exploration, is likely emerge on part number other countries, such as Japan Canada. Board's Committee Cooperative Exploration Sample Return was asked by Aeronautics Administration (NASA) examine report question how missions might best be structured effective implementation NASA along with partners. committee examined alternatives ranging from scientific which would take substantial lead, participation playing only an ancillary role, cooperation basic approach, partners taking comparably large mission responsibilities. On basis strategies developed earlier Board, considered technical collaboration most mutually beneficial arrangements constructing successful missions, particularly USSR.