History
For at least three decades, scientists have advocated the return of geological samples from Mars. One mission was originally planned to return samples by 2008, but was canceled following a review of the program. A NASA-ESA plan was aborted in 2012.
The United States' Mars Exploration Program, formed after Mars Observer's failure in September 1992, supported a Mars sample return.
In September 2012, the United States' Mars Program Planning Group endorsed sample return after evaluating long-term Mars' plans.
Read more about this topic: Mars Sample Return Mission
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