NASA has just two Mars Sample Return mission lander options left
https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/08/nasa_whittles_down_mars_sample/
NASA is gearing up for a significant decision on its Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, with a final call expected by 2026. The agency is weighing options between using JPL’s innovative crane technology or partnering with a private vendor for a contract that could range from $5 to $7 billion. This mission aims to bring samples back to Earth, and the European Space Agency (ESA) is also involved in the lift-back process. As the countdown to the decision ticks away, the implications for space exploration and technology are massive.