Mars sample return

(a) In general The Administrator shall, subject to the availability of appropriations, lead a Mars Sample Return program to enable the return to Earth of scientifically-selected samples from the surface of Mars for study in terrestrial laboratories, consistent with the recommendations of the National Academies decadal surveys for planetary science. (b) Approach The Administrator shall pursue the program in subsection (a) on a timeline and in a manner necessary to— (1) Sustain United States leadership in the scientific exploration of Mars; (2) maintain NASA capabilities to land and operate robotic spacecraft on the surface of Mars; (3) preserve the relevant unique and long-term institutional expertise; and (4) maintain a balanced and robust planetary science division portfolio without requiring significant increases to the NASA budget. (c) Implementation plan The Administrator shall, as soon as practicable and no later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress a plan and timeline for the implementation of a Mars Sample Return program pursuant to this section with the goal of enabling the highest scientific return for the resources invested. Such plan shall include a design and mission architecture and establish realistic cost and schedule estimates to enable such goal.