A rock sample collected by the Perseverance rover and the landscape of Jezero Crater on Mars, where it was found (in the background). (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS/Ken Farley)

The sample’s composition, according to preliminary analysis, contains hydrated silica, which is the evidence for the existence of water on the planet. But since detailed analysis is not possible in situ, the collected samples have yet to be returned to Earth.

The sample obtained in the crater of Jezero, it could have been formed either in the lake itself or in the groundwater system. Is very important for understanding the origin of biological life on Mars and, in particular, at Jezero Crater. (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Ken Farley)

To date, 70% of the test tubes have already been filled with samples. The research continues. Perseverance will now have to move along the inner slope of the crater, where scientists hypothesize there may be a large amount of lake bottom sediments that will confirm the existence of biological life in the past.

The next location for Perseverance’s research is called Bright Angel. (Image : NASA/JPL-Caltech/Ken Farley)

At each location, Perseverance takes two samples, one to leave on the surface and one to store on board.

This is what the titanium sample tubes left behind by the Perseverance rover look like. The photos were taken with the WATSON camera on the end of the rover’s robotic arm. (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

The sample return mission is largely worked out by scientists. There are two possible options: either samples left on the surface of Mars will be collected (with the help of rovers) or taken from the rover’s vault.

The complex landscape at Jezero crater. (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Ken Farley)