National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric E. Ianson 

Director, Mars Exploration Program 

Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters 

Joe C. Parrish 

Manager, Mars Exploration Program 

Planetary Science Directorate, NASA Jet Propulsion 

Laboratory, California Institute of Technology 

Draft for Community Feedback 

MEP Planning Team 

M. Syvertson*† 

R. McCauley Rench* † † 

N. Barba† 

C. Carnalla-Martinez † 

R. Davis † † 

C. Edwards † 

S. Hulme † 

D. Lavery † † 

L. Matthies † 

M. Mischna † 

H. Price † 

*Co-Leads M. Viotti † 

†Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology 

† † Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION 

DRAFT 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 2

PROGRAM CONTEXT 

Over the past two decades NASA and the Mars Exploration Program (MEP) have 

been making progressive steps to better understand the planet and to search for 

past and present life at Mars through a series of orbiters, landers, and rovers 

• Mars Pathfinder * • Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity Rover 

• Mars Odyssey • Mars Atmospheric and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) 

• Mars Spirit & Opportunity Rovers • InSight * 

• Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter • Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover 

• Mars Phoenix 

* Mars Missions managed under NASA’s Discovery Program 

This critical chapter in Mars exploration would culminate in the return of samples to 

Earth through the planned Mars Sample Return campaign 

The Mars Exploration Program is now at an inflection point at which it must adapt to 

the changing space business environment (i.e., broadening international 

participation and expanding commercial interest/capability), address critical/aging 

infrastructure, and prepare for a human presence at Mars 

Draft for Community Feedback 
Pre-Decisional Information – For Planning and Discussion Purposes Only Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION 

DRAFT 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 4

Highlights of Accomplishments at Mars 

• Odyssey revealed large subsurface water ice at the poles. 

• Phoenix lander sampled water directly, as ice and snow, and 

identified surface chemistry that can permit liquid water brine at 

modern-day Mars temperatures. 

• Spirit and Opportunity rovers demonstrated that Mars once had 

a warmer, watery past. Used air bags for rover landing. 

• Curiosity has demonstrated that Mars was once a habitable 

environment, with liquid water, organic materials, and a chemical 

environment necessary to sustain life as we know it. Used sky 

crane for rover landing. 

• MRO has detected active gullies, ice-revealing impacts, and other 

key geologic features and has significantly enabled subsequent 

rover landing-site characterizations (e.g., Gale Crater, an ancient 

crater lake, and Jezero Crater, site of an ancient delta) 

• MAVEN has provided clues to the loss of water from the Martian 

atmosphere to space, important to understanding the history of 

climate and the planet’s habitability through time 

• InSight* has shown us that Mars continues to be a planet that is 

dynamic, including Marsquakes. 

• Perseverance is collecting samples from a location that was 

once water rich for Mars Sample Return, greatly improving the 

analysis that will be possible to perform on the samples. 

*A Mars mission under NASA’s Discovery Program Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mars Sample Return within the Context of the Mars Exploration Program 

INTRODUCTION 

DRAFT 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 5

• Mars Sample Return (MSR)* represents 

the culmination of the community’s 

highest Mars Exploration priority over 

the last two decades, as cited in the 

past three Decadal Surveys. 

• MEP has responsibilities on both ends 

of the MSR campaign: 

• Collecting samples with Mars rover 

Perseverance 

• Curating them at the future Sample 

Receiving facility. 

• While MSR would achieve decadal-class science enabled by the past two decades of 

MEP exploration, MEP is planning for the next two decades of equally profound 

scientific investigations with a new strategic paradigm designed to send lower-cost, 

high-science-value missions and payloads to Mars at a higher frequency. 

*The decision to implement Mars Sample Return will not be finalized until NASA’s completion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. This presentation is being 

made available for information purposes only. Draft for Community Feedback 

Artist’s Concepts 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION 

DRAFT 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 6

“NASA should maintain the Mars Exploration Program, managed within the Planetary 

Sciences Division (PSD), that is focused on the scientific exploration of Mars. The 

program should develop and execute a comprehensive architecture of missions, 

partnerships, and technology development to enable continued scientific discovery at 

Mars.” 

– 2022 Planetary Science & Astrobiology Decadal Survey 

“A Program strategy should be developed before the end of 2022 following the 

release of the Decadal Survey. The strategy should provide a clear plan of action that 

includes the overarching science goal for the decade, mission cadence, opportunities 

for a mix of small, medium, and large missions that increase opportunities for 

competition and broad community participation including the commercial sector, and 

that includes a strategy to replenish the communication infrastructure.” 

– MEP Program Implementation Review, Standing Review Board Recommendation 

Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION 

DRAFT 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 7

The following presentation provides a draft plan 

for the future of the Mars Exploration Program (MEP). 

The MEP is seeking input to this plan from key stakeholders before finalizing it. 

While this is a plan for a Science Mission Directorate (SMD) program, it requires 

close coordination with many organizations, including Exploration Systems 

Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD), Space Operations Mission Directorate 

(SOMD), and Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). 

The Mars Sample Return program remains the top priority for SMD Mars 

exploration. MSR is a foundational science mission that would inform future Mars 

activities. 

It is important to note that implementation of this plan 

is NOT included in the current MEP budget. 

Any budget and schedule information presented 

herein should be considered notional. 

Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRAFT 

NASA Administrator 

Aeronautics Research 

Mission Directorate 

(ARMD) 

Exploration Systems 

Development Mission 

Directorate (ESDMD) 

Space Operations 

Mission Directorate 

(SOMD) 

Earth Science 

Division 

Joint Agency Satellite 

Division 

Heliophysics 

Division 

Science Mission 

Directorate (SMD) 

Planetary Sciences 

Division 

Mars Exploration 

Program 

Planetary Defense 

Coordination Office 

Planetary Space 

Technology Office 

Astrophysics 

Division 

Biological and 

Physical Sciences 

Division 

Space Technology 

Mission Directorate 

(STMD) 

Where does the Mars Exploration Program reside 

within NASA’s organizational structure? 

INTRODUCTION 

Flight Programs Research Programs 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 8 Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRAFT 

EXECUTIVE 

SUMMARY 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 9

EXPLORING MARS TOGETHER: MEP FUTURE PLAN, 2023 - 2043 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

Mars continues to pose key questions that call for a coordinated program of scientific 

exploration – three community-responsive science themes for 2023-2043 will guide 

MEP activities: 

• Explore the Potential for Martian Life 

• Support Human Exploration of Mars 

• Discover Dynamic Mars 

Emerging capabilities enable a new era of competitive missions, strengthened 

infrastructure, transportation opportunities, advanced technologies, and inclusive 

exploration – MEP will: 

• Expand opportunities through frequent, small, low-cost missions to produce impactful science 

• Build, strengthen, and maintain critical infrastructure 

• Reduce the cost of access to Mars through partnerships, low-cost launch vehicle providers, 

and new delivery systems 

• Develop technologies to enable new capabilities for exploring Mars 

• Make exploration more accessible and inclusive to the broader community 

Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

DRAFT

1. INPUTS

Draft for Community Feedback 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 1 INPUTS 

2 SCIENCE THEMES 

3 INITIATIVES 

4 ASPIRATIONAL TIMELINE 
INPUT AREAS OF FINDINGS 

Keck Institute for Space 

Workshop: Revolutionizing 

Martian Surface 

Studies (KISS) 

Access to the Recommended sustainable architecture to reduce landed Mars costs through efficient 

operation of multiple assets, leveraging lunar capabilities and partnerships 

Low-Cost Science Mission Concepts for Mars 

Exploration Workshop Viability of small missions, mission concepts, industry partnering 

Industry Day Partnerships to enable access to Mars, including spacecraft/low-cost mission delivery 

systems and payload hosting; telecom relay, imaging, and weather monitoring 

Industry Partnering Opportunities - Site Visits Industry capabilities and partnering interest 

International Mars Ice Mapper Measurement 

Definition Team (I-MIM MDT) Ice science and ice record, reconnaissance, and the need for high-res imaging 

EXPLORING 

Human Exploration Decadal Survey, Science Objectives for Human Exploration of Mars Workshop, ties to 

lunar program 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

Moon-to-Mars Objectives/Recurring Tenets 

LPS-3: Volatiles; LPS-4: Life; SE-3: Core samples of frozen volatiles; SE-5 Remote 

sensing for human mission planning; RT-1: International Partners; RT-2/RT-9: Industry 

Partners/Commerce and Space Development; etc. 

2023 - 2043 Building on Agency Initiatives Incorporate lessons learned from Moon2Mars, COTS/CLPS, etc. 

8/15/23 11 Draft for Community Feedback 

DRAFT 

This Plan incorporates inputs from several sources across the planetary science community, 

Mars science community, and engineering and technology communities. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023-2032 Decadal Survey 

Mars Sample Return, Mars Life Explorer, International Mars Ice Mapper (I-MIM), 

Human Exploration, Research and Analysis, Technology, Infrastructure, State of the 

Profession 

SECTION 1 

INPUTS 

Mars Architecture Strategy Working Group 

(MASWG) & Mars Concurrent Exploration 

Science Analysis Group (MCE-SAG) 

Interconnected network of low-cost missions working together to address major 

outstanding Mars questions, Dynamic Mars, imaging needs, mission classes, competed 

and low-cost missions 
 

 

DRAFT

1. INPUTS

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Draft for Community Feedback 

1 INPUTS 

2 SCIENCE THEMES 

3 INITIATIVES 

4 ASPIRATIONAL TIMELINE 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL FOR MARTIAN LIFE 

DRAFT 

High-Level Co-Equal Program Science Themes, 2023 - 2043 

Driven by science, MEP will focus its systemic approach on the following science themes, 

which draw upon the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) goals of life, 

Draft for Community Feedback 

SECTION 2 

SCIENCE 

THEMES 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 13

climate, geology and preparation for human exploration. 

Advance the search for past and 

present microbial life and habitable 

environments through time, while 

developing approaches that protect 

both Mars and Earth. 

SUPPORT HUMAN 

EXPLORATION OF MARS 

Make observations that are 

synergistic with the objectives for 

human exploration of Mars and 

prepare for the science that 

humans will do once there. 

DISCOVER DYNAMIC MARS 

Understand the dynamic 

geological and climatological 

processes on Mars to 

illuminate the evolution of 

the Martian system, our 

home planet Earth, our solar 

system, and distant planets 

around other stars. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRAFT 

SECTION 2 

SCIENCE 

THEMES 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 14

SCIENCE THEME 1 Explore the Potential for Martian Life 

Search for evidence of past or present life on Mars in potentially habitable environments and 

establish how the Martian environment and habitability co-evolved over time. 

1.1 Search for Biosignatures, Past & Present 

Determine whether the Martian geologic record has biosignatures and identify areas most likely to 

capture preserved biosignatures based on what is known about past and current habitability at Mars. 

1.2 Understand Temporal and Geographic Patterns of Habitability 

Leverage Mars’ unique ancient geologic record to understand the extent of habitability and its 

temporal evolution, the existence of any present-day, subsurface habitable environments (including 

ice), and how habitable environments on Mars and Earth may have diverged. 

1.2.1 Physical Access to the Subsurface 

Advance investigations related to subsurface and ice science and access to the ice-rich subsurface as a 

major programmatic focus, building on water- and habitability-related scientific discoveries of the previous 

two decades. 

1.3 Examine Samples from MSR to Understand Martian Geological & Biological Processes 

Study returned samples to understand organic chemistry processes on Mars, what the samples 

reveal on global, regional and temporal scales, the nature of any biosignatures, and the relationship 

between Mars’ geological and potential biological history. 

Planetary protection principles are key across our presence at Mars and 

upon return to Earth with samples and astronauts, especially as it relates to our search for life. 

A focus on potential “special regions” (natural or spacecraft-induced) and the environmental characterization of candidate 

landing/exploration sites is important to mitigate risks for future human explorers and/or to their astrobiological research. 

Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRAFT 

MEP will partner with ESDMD and STMD to collaborate on this theme 

SCIENCE THEME 2 Support Human Exploration of Mars 

Make observations that are synergistic with objectives for the human exploration of Mars and 

prepare for the science that humans will do once there. 

2.1 

SECTION 2 2.2 

SCIENCE 

THEMES 

2.3 

2.4 

EXPLORING 

MARS 2.5 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 15

Define Priority Human-Led Science at Mars 

Define, with multidisciplinary community input (science, human mission planning), the highest value scientific 

objectives humans could uniquely advance while traveling to and from Mars and on the surface. 

Characterize Potential Ice-rich Sites for Human Exploration 

Scientifically study the environment of candidate ice-rich sites to determine optimal locations for high-priority humanled science, resource potential, and operational feasibility/safety. 

Study Atmospheric Science and Weather for Human Needs 

Target investigations of the Martian atmosphere/exosphere sufficient to support prediction of extreme events (e.g., 

dust storms), human-class landing/launch operations, and a better understanding of how terrestrial microbes released 

during human operations could propagate in the Martian atmosphere. 

Understand Potential Health and Safety Hazards for Humans (Supporting) 

Coordinate with ESDMD to understand mechanical properties (e.g., abrasiveness for suit and hatch seal designs) and 

breathing hazards to humans (e.g., particle size and potential biological exposures). Supporting biological and 

physical science objectives in the Moon-to-Mars initiative, develop remote-sensing technologies and obtain data on 

the Martian environment relevant to human-mission planners in assessing ways to protect and strengthen human 

health and performance. 

Construct Analogue Missions to Prepare for Expeditions on Mars (Collaborative) 

Coordinate with ESDMD to simulate science-driven, robot-assisted expeditions to prepare astronauts and the wide 

Mars science community on Earth for future interplanetary collaboration in making discoveries “in the Martian field” 

and in transit. Draw on human lunar activities to feed forward into Mars operational strategies where relevant. 

Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S

3.1.1

S

3.1.4

SECTION 2 

SCIENCE 

THEMES 

DRAFT 

These elements are directly responsive to the primary MEPAG goals of life, climate and geology 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 16

S

3.1.2

SCIENCE THEME 3 Discover Dynamic Mars 

Reveal geological and climatological changes through Martian history to understand the evolution 

of Mars and its potential support of life; conduct interdisciplinary systems-science investigations 

of Mars and its moons in relation to other planets in our solar system and around other stars. 

3.1 Investigate Ancient and Modern Drivers of Change on an Active Planet 

Characterize 

Geologic Planetary 

Evolution from Early 

Mars through the 

Present 

Understand Early 

Environmental 

Change through the 

Stratigraphic Record 

S

3.1.3

Determine Recent 

Climate Evolution 

through the Study of 

Volatile Cycles 

Study 

Dynamic Modern 

Environments and 

their Processes 

S

3.1.5

Characterize 

Modern Habitability 

3.2 Understand Mars as a System through Investigations of the Global Environment 

Conduct investigations through orbital, aerial, and landed spacecraft to illuminate the ways in which individual 

components of the Martian global environment – the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and geosphere – are 

integrated to make up the Martian system. 

3.3 Study the Uniquely Available Geological Conditions on Mars to Conduct Comparative 

Planetology and Understand “Goldilocks Worlds” 

Provide research opportunities that link the uniquely available geological conditions on Mars to fundamental 

understanding of comparative planetology. 

Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

DRAFT

1. INPUTS

Draft for Community Feedback 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 1 INPUTS 

2 SCIENCE THEMES 

3 INITIATIVES 

4 ASPIRATIONAL TIMELINE 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INITIATIVE 1 

DRAFT 

INITIATIVE 2 

INITIATIVE 3 

Program Initiatives for the Future of MEP 

INITIATIVE 4 

SECTION 3 

INITIATIVES 

FOR THE 

NEXT TWO 

DECADES 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE MARS THROUGH 

COMPETED, LOWER-COST, MORE FREQUENT FLIGHT 

OPPORTUNITIES 

STRENGTHEN AND BROADEN INFRASTRUCTURE AT 

MARS TO ENABLE A DIVERSE SET OF MISSIONS & NEW 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTNERSHIPS 

INVEST IN KEY TECHNOLOGIES TO ENABLE EXPANDED 

ACCESS TO, AND SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING OF, MARS 

ENABLE PARTICIPATION IN MARS EXPLORATION FOR 

ALL COMMUNITIES 

8/15/23 18 Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expand Opportunities to Explore Mars through Competed, 

Lower Cost, and More Frequent Flight Opportunities 

Establish a regular cadence of science-driven, lower-cost mission opportunities as a new element of the 

MEP portfolio to provide rapid and flexible response to discoveries, to address the breadth of outstanding 

Mars questions, and to enable increased participation by the diverse Mars science community. 

DRAFT 

I

1.1

INITIATIVE 1 

SECTION 3 

INITIATIVES 

FOR THE 

NEXT TWO 

DECADES 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 19

LOW-COST MISSIONS 

Targeted or 

Discovery-Responsive Science 

• Competed small missions at the 

$100M, $200M, or $300M levels 

• Intent: select missions for every Mars 

launch opportunity 

• Considering one-step or two-step 

processes 

• May select multiple smaller missions 

per launch opportunity 

• Draws on experience from 

Commercial Orbital Transportation 

Services (COTS)/ and Commercial 

Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) 

programs 

I

1.2

I

1.3

MEDIUM-CLASS MISSIONS 

Broad Science 

• Strategic Decadal-class science 

• More complex instrument suites 

• New technologies in sample 

acquisition, mobility, autonomy 

• Considering competing either at 

the mission or instrument level 

• Scalable to significant discoveries 

Draft for Community Feedback 

COMPETED PAYLOADS 

Leveraging Commercial & 

International Opportunities 

• Missions of Opportunity 

• Potentially competed or directed 

• Could be science or infra-structure 

focused 

• Flown on international or commercial missions 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INITIATIVE 3 

I

3.1

SECTION 3 

INITIATIVES 

FOR THE 

NEXT TWO 

DECADES 

DRAFT 

I

3.4

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 21

Activities to be planned in coordination with STMD 

Invest in Key Technologies to Enable Expanded Access to, 

and Scientific Understanding of, Mars 

Provide continuing improvement in the capabilities of robotic science- and human-enabling missions that 

collectively enhance US leadership in Mars exploration, lower the costs of all Mars missions, and build upon 

the developments and experience of Earth and the Moon-to-Mars initiative. 

Entry/Deorbit, Descent, 

& Landing Systems and 

Surface Access 

In Situ Sample Handling, 

Pre-Processing, and Analysis 

& Returned Sample Handling 

I

3.2

I

Aerial Mobility, 

In Situ Surface Mobility, 

& Autonomy 

I

3.5

I

In Situ Remote Sensing and 

Search for Evidence of Life 

Measurements 

Draft for Community Feedback 

3..3

Revolutionary Subsurface 

Access up to 

Hundreds of Meters 

3.6

Direct to Orbit, Direct to 

Earth, and Proximity Link 

Telecommunications 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INITIATIVE 4 I N I T I A T I V E 4 

DRAFT 

I 

4.1 

I 

4.0 

Enable Participation in Mars Exploration for All Communities 

Develop MEP initiatives that support NASA’s goals to train, sustain, and retain a qualified and diverse 

workforce, to develop scientific and technical literacy, and to foster a more inspired and informed society. 

SECTION 3 

INITIATIVES 

FOR THE 

NEXT TWO 

DECADES 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

I 

4.3 

I 

4.4 

I 

4.2 

I 

4.5 

Establish Inclusive Ensure Inclusivity 

DEIA Leadership in MEP 

Ensure Involvement of Under-Represented Involve and Support Under-Represented 

Communities in Development of Data-Driven Communities in MEP Internships, Mission 

Methods to Measure Progress Teams, & Leadership Training Opportunities 

Create Opportunities for Create New Models for 

Public Participation in Community Collaboration Mars Exploration 

Build upon Emerging 

Enable Direct Participation in Exploration Synergistic Capabilities with 

through Immersive Technologies New Public/Private Partnerships 

Enhance the 

State of the Profession 

Assess MEP Demographics, 

Provide Career Opportunities, and 

Build a Culture of Inclusivity 

Respect Role in the 

Stewardship of Mars 

for Humanity 

Be Mindful of Responsibilities in 

Exploring Mars “For All Humanity” 

8/15/23 22 Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRAFT 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

Near-term Activities 

As implementation of this plan is not funded, the program may begin precursor 

activities within existing program resources: 

SECTION 3 

INITIATIVES 

FOR THE 

NEXT TWO 

DECADES 

• Explore opportunities for commercial services to address infrastructure needs 

• Award study contracts to industry to better define potential public-private partnerships 

• Engage the international community on potential partnerships and hosting 

opportunities 

• Commission a National Academies study to identify science objectives for human 

campaigns to Mars 

• Invest in technologies to expand access to Mars and improve scientific understanding 

of the planet 

• Develop a draft Announcement of Opportunity for the first Low-Cost Mission 

opportunity 

• Initiate work to enable broader participation in the Mars community 

8/15/23 23 Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

DRAFT

1. INPUTS

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Draft for Community Feedback 

1 INPUTS 

2 SCIENCE THEMES 

3 INITIATIVES 

4 ASPIRATIONAL TIMELINE 
 

 

 

 

 

 

SAMPLE

RETRIEVAL

LANDER

LAUNCH

DRAFT 

Aspirational MEP Timeline 

SECTION 4 

Aspirational 

Program 

Timeline 

EXPLORING This timeline should be considered hypothetical. 

MARS 

TOGETHER There is flexibility to adjust the phasing of activities if and when funding 

2023 - 2043 becomes available to begin implementation and to respond to discovery. 

8/15/23 25 Draft for Community Feedback 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRAFT 

Summary of Plans 

Priorities prior to the launch of MSR 

SECTION 4 

Aspirational 

Program 

Timeline 

EXPLORING 

MARS 

TOGETHER 

2023 - 2043 

8/15/23 27

• Achieve the objectives of the MEP Program of Record, including development of the Sample 

Receiving Project 

• Collaborate with European Space Agency (ESA) on the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission 

• Seek low-cost opportunities to address critical infrastructure needs (particularly communications 

relay and high-resolution imaging) 

• Continue investments in key mission-enabling technologies, especially those enabling the search 

for life and subsurface access 

• Develop public/private partnership arrangements, reinforce existing international partnerships, and 

explore new opportunities with established and emerging space organizations 

Priorities following the launch of MSR 

• Implement a sustainable portfolio of low-cost competed missions, medium-class missions, 

infrastructure and technology investments, and missions of opportunity 

• Content and schedule are variables to be managed against a sustained budget level and 

maximizing science return 

• Focus on smaller, lower-cost missions, partnerships, and missions of opportunity allows the 

program to be more agile and responsive to discoveries 

• Implement science that is supportive of, and synergistic with, humans at Mars 

Draft for Community Feedback 
 

 

 

We welcome your feedback! 

National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Send comments/questions to: 

HQ-MEP@mail.nasa.gov Eric E. Ianson 

Director, Mars Exploration Program 

Science Mission Directorate, 

NADRSAAF HeT adquarters 

Joe C. Parrish 

Manager, Mars Exploration Program 

Planetary Science Directorate, NASA 

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 

California Institute of Technology 

Draft for Community Feedback 

MEP Planning Team 

M. Syvertson* 

R. McCauley Rench* 

N. Barba 

C. Carnalla-Martinez 

R. Davis 

C. Edwards 

S. Hulme 

D. Lavery 

L. Matthies 

M. Mischna 

H. Price 

*Co-Leads M. Viotti