Mars sample return: Recommended sites

Abstract

Site selection priorities for a Mars sample return are constrained by the risks due to terrain that affect the successful descent and mobility of the sampling vehicle. At this time, evaluations of terrain roughness can be made only in a very general way. For this reason, the two candidate sites discussed are provisionally recommended primarily on the basis of their scientific value; however, no adverse surface conditions are discernable at these locations at the resolution of Viking images. The rationale is given for the selection of the sites.