NASA Unveils First Martian Rock Sample Images

NASA shared images of samples stored in titanium tubes.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NEW YORK — The American Space Agency (NASA) rover has collected the first samples taken from the planet Mars. NASA shared images of samples stored in titanium tubes.

The sample images were obtained using a camera on the rover called the Sampling and Caching System Camera. This confirms that a small piece of the Martian sample has been preserved completely.

Reported in Slash Gear, Wednesday (8/9), first attempt NASA to collect samples of Mars for storage in titanium tubes did not go as expected.

Although the drilling process and the storage process both occur, neither is actually put into the tube. NASA concluded this was likely due to the different rock consistency than expected, meaning the samples may have crumbled to dust.

NASA evaluates different potential targets. Subsequently, NASA began its next sample drilling effort just a few days later.

The second drilling attempt was a success, NASA reported in recent days that the rover managed to get the core sample just right placed into the titanium tube.

The picture shows the tube cap with its serial number, as well as the inside of the tube where the small cylinder of stone is easily visible. With this milestone, NASA has officially packaged a few samples from Mars that will eventually be sent to Earth for study.

NASA plans to collect several samples from various places on Mars, storing each in an airtight titanium tube for future Mars Sample Return campaigns. The return of samples will involve a partnership between NASA and ESA.

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