That can be studied for further optimization. Repeating the entire procedure for approval of one step while not going ahead of that step in same run is insane, costly and a BAD DEAL.
I'm asking what would you do if rover responds?
See in space landings, there are 2 basics:
1) Controlled descent and soft landing on Moon or another planet. This is one mission. The extended version is point 2.
2) Sample Return which is done by a small rocket over the top of the lander (which landed in point 1) where samples are loaded and sent back to earth which then navigates towards Earth and enters Earths atmosphere and falls in either ocean or desert with heat shield and parachuting techniques.
Now if you want to Land a rover, a manned mission and get them back from Moon, Mars, Asteroid, there is nothing outside of the above 2. Everything is covered in that.
Let’s look at the most challenging parts in both the cases:
In Number 1, remember the Moon itself is orbiting on its own axis along with orbiting the Earth. It’s not a stationary object. The lander has to land at a pre determined spot. Timing is everything. Firing of thrusters at the right time with the right level of power. Stopping them just before it reaches a height of few meters so that dust from the surface doesn’t pile up on the lander upon landing. These may look small in terms of time and complexity but they are make or break for a mission which happened with the Vikram lander.
In number 2, exiting the atmosphere of that body, achieving the necessary delta to exit the gravity, then getting into the right trajectory towards earth, requiring the correct delta to get captured in Earths orbit either by firing thrusters (not possible to carry enough fuel for this part) or using gravity assist of Earth, surviving entry into earths atmosphere, recovery of samples. There is no guarantee that samples would not be contaminated or damaged.
Number 1 is the basics of all manned and unmanned LANDINGS on any extra terrestrial body. If you cut short there, you are gonna fail miserably in future.
Remember this was our first landing attempted. US and Soviets have a long learning curve with many failures.
Just giving you an idea of the amount of challenges that would come in your plan of directly going to Sample return mission.
