NASA’s Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) recently reached some major milestones in support of the Mars Sample Return program. This video shows recent tests of the first and second stage solid rocket motors needed for the launch.

Sample Return will bring scientifically selected samples to Earth for study using the most sophisticated instrumentation around the world. This strategic partnership with ESA (European Space Agency) features the first mission to return samples from another planet.

The two-stage MAV rocket is an important part of the joint plan between NASA and ESA to bring scientifically selected Martian samples to Earth in the early 2030s.

Credit: NASA/Jonathan Deal and Joe Kuner