Summary
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MarcoPolo-R Sample return from a primitive near-Earth asteroid |
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| Theme | How does the Solar System work? |
| Primary Goal | To return to Earth an unaltered sample from a primitive, near-Earth asteroid (NEA) |
| Spacecraft | Primary spacecraft, Earth re-entry capsule |
| Lifetime | 4.5 years |
| Type | M-class candidate mission |
Mission Timeline
- 2022-2024: Targeted launch dates in December 2022 or December 2023 with backup in December 2024
- February 2014: PLATO was selected as M3 - the third medium-class mission in ESA's Cosmic Vision Programme
- 2013: Under assessment - decision from Science Programme Committee (SPC) expected by February 2014
- February 2011: MarcoPolo-R is one of four missions selected for further study
- 2010: Proposed as an M-Class mission in response to Call for Proposals
Last Update: 1 September 2019