CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA is pitching a cheaper and quicker way of getting rocks and soil back from Mars, after seeing its original plan swell to $11 billion.
Administrator Bill Nelson presented a revised scenario Tuesday, less than two weeks before stepping down as NASA’s chief when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.
Nelson said he “pulled the plug” months ago on the original sample return plan given the soaring costs and the delay in getting anything back from Mars before 2040.
NASA last year asked industry and others to come up with better options to ensure the samples collected in cigar-size tubes by NASA's Perseverance rover arrive here in the 2030s, well ahead of astronauts venturing to the red planet.
“We want to return 30 titanium tubes as soon as possible at the cheapest price," Nelson said
The space agency said it is considering two options that would cost in the $6 billion to $7 billion range, including one that would feature innovative designs by commercial partners. The number of spacecraft and launches would remain the same, but NASA said the proposed options would streamline the mission.
A final decision would come next year, following engineering studies laying out the details of each option. The more traditional alternative would use the same landing method that lowered NASA's Perseverance and Curiosity rovers onto the Martian surface — a rocket-steered platform known as a sky crane. The second option would include a landing system developed by private companies; details were short on this path during the latest update.
Perseverance has collected more than two dozen samples since its 2021 landing, with more to come in NASA's high-priority search for signs of ancient, microscopic Martian life. Scientists want to analyze the samples from the red planet's long-dry river delta in labs on Earth.
NASA officials stressed that both options would simplify things by having the sample tubes cleaned on the surface of Mars, versus in the returning spacecraft, and switching from solar to nuclear power in order to endure Martian dust storms.
Nelson said it will be up to the incoming administration to decide how best to retrieve the Mars samples, with the need for money to start flowing now to accomplish it. For Nelson's replacement, Trump has nominated tech billionaire Jared Isaacman, who's rocketed into orbit twice on his own dime.
“What we wanted to do was to give them the best possible options so that they can go from here,” Nelson said.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
This photo combo from images provided by NASA shows Perseverance rover's Martian rock sample collection, top from left, acquired Sept. 8, 2021, acquired Dec. 22, 2021. Bottom from left: acquired Jan. 31, 2022, acquired Nov. 24, 2021. (NASA via AP)
This image provided by NASA shows Perseverance rover capturing a portrait of its recently completed sample depot using its Mastcam-Z camera on Jan. 31, 2023. (NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS via AP)
AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 8, 2025--
Autel Energy Europe, in partnership with Orange Charging, is proud to announce the installation of the first-ever MaxiCharger DH480 in Europe at the Groen Goud Biervliet. This groundbreaking project marks a major milestone for Autel and the European electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. It underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and its active role in advancing the energy transition.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250108844002/en/
Autel's MaxiCharger DH480 powers heavy-duty EVs at Groen Goud Biervliet (Photo: Business Wire)
“We are excited to partner with Autel Energy Europe and facilitate our customer MW Solutions to be the first to install the MaxiCharger DH480 in Europe,” said Jasper Boogert, Managing Director at Orange Charging. “This installation not only strengthens our commitment to providing fast and reliable charging solutions for EV drivers, but it also sets a new benchmark for what’s possible in ultra-fast charging technology today. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Autel as we have planned more Maxicharger DH480 installations in the coming months.”
The MaxiCharger DH480 features the latest in EV charging technology, including Intelligent Matrix technology. This innovative system allows the Power Module to be flexibly configured, distributing the load across multiple modules according to specific charging demand. This design enhances the charger’s reliability and operational efficiency, ensuring continuous and optimal performance
Located in the Southern part of the Netherlands at prime location Groen Goud Biervliet, the charging station is emblematic for typical modern-day charging scenarios, where an increasing demand for accessible, high-speed EV charging solutions along major transit routes must be satisfied. As Europe accelerates its transition to electric vehicles, this installation provides a convenient solution for drivers seeking fast and reliable charging options during long-distance travel.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on January 7th, 2025, to celebrate the installation. The event was attended by Cai Ting, CEO of Autel Energy Europe, along with Orange Charging, key stakeholders, and government officials. The ceremony marks a proud moment for both companies and underscores the importance of collaboration in advancing the European charging infrastructure.
“We are truly excited to partner with Orange Charging in bringing this game-changing MaxiCharger DH480 to Europe,” said Cai Ting, CEO of Autel Energy Europe. “Orange Charging has been a fantastic partner, and we are grateful to them for being the first to try this cutting-edge product. This milestone is not only a significant achievement for Autel but also a step forward for the entire European EV ecosystem. We look forward to our continued collaboration and further opportunities to support the transition to sustainable energy.”
The MaxiCharger DH480 meets today’s expectations for all-in-one high power charging solutions and represents a significant leap forward towards offering affordable and sustainable investments for CPOs across Europe. Autel Energy remains committed to delivering reliable charging solutions that support the rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles across the continent.
About Autel Energy Europe
Autel Energy Europe is a leading provider of advanced EV charging solutions. With a focus on innovation and reliability, the company offers a range of high-quality AC and DC chargers to meet the needs of both public and private charging stations across Europe. As part of the global Autel brand, Autel Energy Europe is dedicated to facilitating the shift to sustainable transportation with cutting-edge products and services.
For more information, please visit: https://autelenergy.eu/
About Orange Charging
Orange Charging is a leading provider of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, committed to making EV charging accessible and efficient for drivers across Europe. With a focus on reliability, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Orange Charging plays a key role in the transition to electric mobility.
For more information, visit: Orange Charging Website
Ribbon-cutting for Autel's MaxiCharger DH480 with Orange Charging and Groen Goud Biervliet (Photo: Business Wire)
