NASA's Mars Sample Return mission, previously halted due to high costs and an extensive timeline, is poised for a significant announcement regarding its future. According to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, options are being prepared that will offer expedited and more affordable solutions, allowing the incoming administration to make key funding decisions. There's an anticipation of eventually retrieving samples that may reveal past life on Mars, offering insights into the planet's history. Additionally, NASA's Artemis Program will remain under scrutiny to ensure mission efficacy, though major components like SLS are not expected to be replaced by alternatives such as SpaceX's Starship.