The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the US and the European Space Agency (ESA) are jointly conducting the Mars Sample Return (MSR). Instead of one nation bearing the full cost (several billion dollars) of retrieving Martian samples, NASA and ESA share responsibilities and funding. NASA is responsible for developing the Mars ascent rocket and the sample collection rover Perseverance, while ESA funds the Fetch Rover and the Earth Return Orbiter. Both agencies signed formal agreements between 2020 and 2022, solidifying the co-funded approach.

Prerequisites:

• Needs assessment to identify relevant areas to fund space exploration R&D

• Access to technical/business experts to support private entities applying for funding

• Lead agency & budget

• Procurement pathway

• Partner support as needed

Cost:

• Ballpark: USD 50k–250k (not including cost for funding to be provided)

• Includes: fund design and governance, technical assistance, monitoring & evaluation, administrative support.

Timeframe:

• Overall: 12-60 months

• Phase: fund design (6-12 months), funding round(s) (6 - 48 months), optional evaluation & scale-up (6 - 12 months)

Pros:

• Risk Management through Cooperation - By partnering with other nations, the financial burden of research and development can be shared

Considerations:

• Conflicting Interests - Divergent national interests and priorities may lead to conflicts

• Articulation - Coordinating some nations' timelines and can be challenging and time-consuming