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Image source: NASA NASA plans to send humans on a scientific mission to Mars as early as 2035, aiming to decode the potential for human life on the red planet. The mission would involve a round trip of six to seven months, covering approximately 402 million km. Astronauts could spend 500 days on the Martian surface, collecting valuable data before returning to Earth.
Significant progress has already been made with the Artemis program , particularly with the Artemis I mission in November 2022. The first crewed mission, Artemis III , is scheduled to launch in 2026, with astronauts expected to launch at the Moon’s south pole. Mars presents an intriguing opportunity for scientific exploration due to its unique geological and atmospheric characteristics.
NASA’s advancements through the Artemis program are laying groundwork for future exploration of Mars. The Artemis program to Mars To prepare astronauts for Mars, NASA created the Artemis Program, which will send humans back to the Moon. This program is designed to train astronauts to live and work in space for long periods, which will be essential for the Mars mission .
To make this mission possible, NASA has developed two new technologies: Space Launch System (SLS) – A powerful rocket that will carry astronauts to Mars and back. Orion Spacecraft – A new spacecraft designed to safely transport astronauts during the mission. NASA's Artemis I mission was successfully completed in November 2022, and the first crewed mission, Artemis III, is planned for 2026.
During Artemis III, astronauts will land at the Moon's south pole and gain valuable experience that will help them survive on Mars. Artemis astronauts will establish habitats on the lunar surface and will be tasked with mining and purifying water from subsurface ice deposits. This experience will be invaluable for future human exploration of Mars, which will require similar survival techniques.
To prepare for Mars exploration, NASA is initially focusing on human missions to the Moon through the Artemis program. This program will serve as a vital training ground, allowing astronauts to live and work on the Moon for extended periods. The skills and technologies developed during these lunar missions will be crucial for successful Mars exploration.
NASA’s Human Exploration of Mars Science Analysis Group, co-chaired by atmospheric scientists and NASA researchers, has established key scientific questions to steer future human missions. A central focus is the search for life on Mars today, particularly given the similar conditions that existed on both Earth and Mars 3.8 billion years ago.
Another pivotal question centres on the loss of Mars’ abundant liquid water and much of its atmosphere. By investigating these changes, scientists aim to better understand planetary evolution and the factors that contributed to Mars' current state. Mars: A geological enigma Around 3.
8 billion years ago, life emerged on Earth while Mars featured oceans, lakes, and rivers. Today, however, Mars is arid, with no liquid water present on its surface. Despite significant insights gained from robotic missions, including evidence of ancient lakes and rivers, many mysteries about Mars remain unsolved.
The stark contrasts between its northern and southern hemispheres further add to the intrigue: the northern hemisphere is characterised by smooth lowlands, whereas the southern hemisphere is heavily cratered and ancient. Mars is home to the largest volcanoes in the solar system and a landscape marked by numerous impact craters from asteroids. Exploring these features through human missions could yield critical information about the planet's early history and its potential to support life.
Also read: SpaceX launches Hera spacecraft to study NASA’s asteroid impact on Dimorphous.
