Exploring Mars Like Never Before

The ambitious Mars Sample Return (MSR) Campaign is on a mission to bring martian atmosphere samples back to Earth, gathering them in special tubes aboard the Perseverance rover. But there's a catch! Scientists are racing against time to ensure these precious samples remain uncontaminated by Earthly gases.

The Gas Battle: Noble Gases Under the Microscope

Recent research dives deep into the heart of this issue, focusing on the desorption of terrestrial noble gases—specifically argon (40Ar) and xenon (129Xe)—from inside a flight-ready Mars 2020 sample tube. Conducted under high vacuum conditions, this study is pivotal for understanding contamination risks that could jeopardize the integrity of the samples.

The Findings: A Silver Lining for Mars Exploration

The findings reveal a reassuring trend: the desorption rates of these gases taper off significantly over approximately 19 months. When examining the potential fallout, desorbed terrestrial argon contributes less than 0.01% and xenon just 0.1% to the martian noble gas collection within a sealed tube maintaining a pressure of about 7 mbar.

The Verdict: Sample Tubes Pass the Test!

This comprehensive study reassures scientists that the Mars 2020 sample tubes are indeed up to the task. They can effectively capture and preserve atmospheric samples from Mars, ensuring they remain as pristine as possible for future scientific exploration.

The Future is Bright for Martian Discoveries

The potential discoveries awaiting us from the Mars Sample Return mission are immense. As we strive to understand our neighboring planet, this research not only highlights our commitment to scientific integrity but also paves the way for groundbreaking insights into Mars' atmosphere and, ultimately, its past.