Mars rover apparently retrieves first rock sample for return to Earth: "A phenomenal accomplishment"

NASA's newest Mars rover may have successfully collected its first rock sample for return to Earth, after last month's attempt came up empty. The Perseverance rover's chief engineer, Adam Steltzner, called it a perfect core sample.

"I've never been more happy to see a hole in a rock," he tweeted Thursday. But NASA later said it was awaiting more photos before declaring success although the "team is confident that the sample is in the tube."