![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/MAX-C-Rover.jpg/640px-MAX-C-Rover.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher
Cancelled NASA Mars rover concept / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher (MAX-C), also known as Mars 2018 mission, was a NASA concept for a Mars rover mission, proposed to be launched in 2018 together with the European ExoMars rover.[1][2][3] The MAX-C rover concept was cancelled in April 2011 due to budget cuts.[4][5]
![]() | |
Mission type | Rover |
---|---|
Operator | NASA |
Mission duration | One Earth year (proposed) |
Spacecraft properties | |
Launch mass | 300 kg (660 lb) |
The rover would have been solar powered, with a maximum mass of 300 kg and based largely on the Curiosity rover components, but would have entailed a system tailored to the specific payload. The MAX-C rover would have performed an in-situ astrobiological exploration, evaluate the habitability potential of various Martian environments, and it would have collected, documented, and cached samples for potential return to Earth by a future mission.[6]
The Mars 2020 mission with its Perseverance rover had similar scientific objectives as Mars 2018 and MAX-C.