On Mars

PopMech is having themselves a little Mars party today, with several articles concerning ongoing exploration of the Red Planet.

First up, a gorgeous full-color image taken by ESA's Trace Gas Orbiter. As the name suggests, the probe's primary purpose is to sample the upper atmosphere from a low polar orbit. But that didn't stop them from putting a camera on it, thereby snapping one of the most interesting photos of Mars ever taken.

Next we have an article about the InSight probe, a mission which blasts off from Vandenberg AFB this coming Saturday. Similar to older stationary landers, it will set up a laboratory to gather detailed data on the seismic and sub-surface characteristics of Mars. While not as flashy as the rover missions were, it will produce vital information which is needed for siting a long-term base -- and, eventually, terraforming.

Finally, and by far the sexiest news, is that NASA and ESA have decided to cooperate on a mission (three missions, actually) to return samples of the Martian surface to Earth for detailed laboratory experimentation. Not a manned mission, but still very ambitious in scope, it will involve three phases: sampling, collection and boosting, and return. The estimate is that it will take 20 years to pull it off. The ChiComs think they can do it in 12. Let the new space race begin.