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Abstract Mars, a terrestrial planet which most closely resembles Earth in the solar system, may have signs of life. Although existing exploration robots can conduct massive scientific investigations on Mars, they cannot replicate human scientists to study those samples in an Earth-based laboratory using advanced equipment. Therefore, the mission of Mars Sampling Return (MSR) has significant scientific value. Unlike the moon and other small bodies, the atmospheric environment on Mars is extremely unstable which challenges the task of sending the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) with samples safely and stably from its surface to its orbiter. The MAV's launching technology is critical to the success of the mission. This paper has elaborated on the research status of MAV's launching technology and the technical characteristics of various existing launching methods, which could provide a reference for Chinese future Mars Sampling Return missions.
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Received: 03 July 2023
Published: 26 September 2023
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2023, Vol. 6 
