04 May 22
https://www.space.com/nasa-requests-public-comment-mars-sample-return
NASA wants your input on its Mars sample return project
NASA is asking the public to comment on an environmental assessment for its Mars sample return effort.
The project, a collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to bring to Earth samples gathered by the Perseverance Mars rover, perhaps as early as 2033. Once they're here, scientists in labs around the world will scrutinize them for signs of Mars life and clues about the Red Planet's evolutionary history.
Comments are due May 16 either online or by mail. The agency also plans to hold two virtual public meetings at this link. The meetings will be Wednesday (May 4) at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) and Thursday (May 5) at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT on Friday, May 6).
@vivify saidWhat?
https://www.space.com/nasa-requests-public-comment-mars-sample-return
NASA wants your input on its Mars sample return project
NASA is asking the public to comment on an environmental assessment for its Mars sample return effort.
The project, a collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to bring to Earth samples gathered by the Perseverance ...[text shortened]... 4) at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) and Thursday (May 5) at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT on Friday, May 6).
We have until May 16 to comment on an environmental assessment for a sample return effort.
And this has to do with samples of Mars dirt that won't get here for another 11+ years?
I don't get it.
Why would NASA want or need the publics input? Are they worried about public support and funding for future missions?
Edit: Okay, I get it now. They want to know how concerned I might be over NASA returning some kind of alien virus, or egg that could hatch and grow inside me until my chest pops open and out comes a scary predator capable of killing all animal life (but not cats) on earth.
If that's what they want to know then yes, I am VERY concerned and fearful for my life. Stop screwing around and just shoot the d☆☆☆ thing to smithereens before it gets here!
@kilroy70 saidI should have seen this coming.
What?
We have until May 16 to comment on an environmental assessment for a sample return effort.
And this has to do with samples of Mars dirt that won't get here for another 11+ years?
I don't get it.
Why would NASA want or need the publics input? Are they worried about public support and funding for future missions?
Edit: Okay, I get it now. They want to know how c ...[text shortened]... for my life. Stop screwing around and just shoot the d☆☆☆ thing to smithereens before it gets here!
I got an email this morning from NASA. All it said was "We don't want your input."
Okay. Fair enough.
But if you guys (and gals) bring back an alien virus, or cat loving predator, it won't be MY fault.