Mars Sample Return Mission Quiz

What is the primary scientific question driving the Mars sample return mission?

• How to terraform Mars for human habitation

• Whether Mars has valuable minerals for mining

• How to establish a permanent base on Mars

• If life ever existed on Mars

Why was Jezero Crater chosen as the landing site for the Mars mission?

• It has the most stable weather conditions

• It is the closest site to Earth

• It has evidence of past water flow and mineral deposits

• It is the largest crater on Mars

What is a key feature of the Mars 2020 rover's technological advancements?

• A solar-powered engine

• A sample caching system

• A human-like robotic assistant

• A built-in telescope

What is the main goal of the rover's initial operations after landing on Mars?

• To establish a communication base

• To test new propulsion technologies

• To explore and identify regions of interest for sample collection

• To build a habitat for future missions

How long is one Martian year in Earth time?

• Three Earth years

• Four Earth years

• One Earth year

• Two Earth years

What is the purpose of the sample receiving facility on Earth?

• To prevent contamination between Earth and Martian samples

• To display the samples to the public

• To analyze samples for potential mining opportunities

• To store samples for future missions

What is the expected timeline for the samples to be returned to Earth?

• 2025

• 2031

• 2040

• 2050

What is a potential outcome if evidence of ancient microbial life is found on Mars?

• It would indicate Mars has more resources than Earth

• It would prove Mars is older than Earth

• It would suggest life is abundant in the universe

• It would confirm Mars as a future human habitat

What is the role of the fetch rover in the sample return process?

• To analyze samples on Mars

• To drill deeper into the Martian surface

• To transport samples to the Mars ascent vehicle

• To communicate with Earth

What is the significance of finding no life in the Mars samples?

• It would suggest Mars is not worth exploring further

• It would mean Mars is unsuitable for future missions

• It would help understand the uniqueness of life on Earth

• It would indicate Mars is too young for life