Meet the Mars Samples: Otis Peak (Sample 20)

Meet the 20th Martian sample collected by NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover - “Otis Peak,” the first rock core sample taken from a conglomerate rock, which consists of pebbles cemented together.
This sample is referred to as a “treasure box” because the pebbles are believed to have been carried by a fast-moving river from places the rover may never explore. Scientists believe studying this sample may yield information about the formation and environmental evolution of Jezero Crater.
As of early November 2023, the Perseverance rover has collected and sealed 23 scientifically selected samples inside pristine tubes as part of the Mars Sample Return campaign. The next stage is to get them to Earth for study.
Considered one of the highest priorities by the scientists in the Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023-2032, Mars Sample Return would be the first mission to return samples from another planet and provides the best opportunity to reveal the early evolution of Mars, including the potential for ancient life. NASA is teaming with ESA (European Space Agency) on this important endeavor.
A key objective for Perseverance's mission on Mars is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life. The rover will characterize the planet's geology and past climate, pave the way for human exploration of the Red Planet, as well as be the first mission to collect and cache Martian rock and regolith (broken rock and dust).
Read about all the carefully selected samples: mars.nasa.gov/mars-rock-samples
Learn more about the Mars Sample Return campaign: mars.nasa.gov/msr
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech