title: The case for planetary sample return missions.  2.  History of Mars.
abstract: Principal science goals for exploration of Mars are to establish the chemical, isotopic, and physical state of Martian material, the nature of major surface-forming processes and their time scales, and the past and present biological potential of the planet.  Many of those goals can only be met by detailed analyses of atmospheric gases and carefully selected samples of fresh rocks, weathered rocks, soils, sediments, and ices.  The high-fidelity mineral separations, complex chemical treatments, and ultrasensitive instrument systems required for key measurements, as well as the need to adapt analytical strategies to unanticipated results, point to Earth-based laboratory analyses on returned Martian samples as the best means for meeting the stated objectives.
authors.affiliation: NASA/Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Gooding
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Carr
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: McKay
mesh_terms: D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D002980:Climate; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D007053:Ice / Q000032:analysis*; D018535:Mars; D019110:Meteoroids; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*; D013026:Space Flight
chemical_list: D007053:Ice; D008903:Minerals; D012987:Soil