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NASA already achieved key milestones with the Artemis I mission in November 2022. The first crewed mission, Artemis III, is scheduled for 2026, with astronauts expected to land at the Moon’s south pole read more
 "NASA wants to put humans on Mars by 2035, conduct manned test runs from 2030")
NASA is preparing for its Mars mission by first sending missions with humans to the Moon under the Artemis program. Image Credit: NASA
NASA has set an ambitious goal to send humans on a scientific mission to Mars, potentially as early as 2035. The mission would involve a round trip of six to seven months each way, covering about 402 million kilometres. Astronauts could spend up to 500 days on the Martian surface, gathering valuable scientific data before returning to Earth.
The mission is part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon this decade to prepare for future Mars exploration. The primary goal is to advance scientific exploration and uncover the mysteries of Mars, including the planet’s history and whether it has ever hosted life.
Mars geological enigma
Mars presents an intriguing case for scientific investigation due to its geological and atmospheric characteristics. Formed around 4.6 billion years ago, Mars once had a denser atmosphere and abundant liquid water, similar to Earth.
Around 3.8 billion years ago, life formed on Earth, while Mars had oceans, lakes, and rivers. However, today Mars is dry, with no liquid water on its surface.
While robotic missions have provided significant insight into the planet, such as evidence of ancient lakes and rivers, there are still many unanswered questions. Mars’ northern and southern hemispheres display stark contrasts, with the northern hemisphere featuring lowlands that are relatively smooth, while the southern hemisphere is marked by old craters.
Mars also hosts the largest volcanoes in the solar system and a surface filled with impact craters from asteroids. Sending astronauts to study these features could reveal critical information about the planet’s early history and its potential for supporting life.
What’s driving Mars’ exploration?
NASA’s Human Exploration of Mars Science Analysis Group, co-chaired by atmospheric scientists and NASA researchers, developed a set of essential scientific questions to guide future human missions. One of the central questions focuses on whether life exists on Mars today. Since both Earth and Mars had similar conditions 3.8 billion years ago, this is a key area of investigation.
Another important question addresses how Mars lost its abundant liquid water and much of its atmosphere. By studying these changes, scientists hope to gain a deeper understanding of planetary evolution and what may have led to the planet’s current state.
Artemis & Mars
NASA is preparing for its Mars mission by first sending missions with humans to the Moon under the Artemis program. The Artemis program will serve as a training ground for Mars exploration, allowing astronauts to live and work on the Moon for months at a time. The experience gained on the lunar surface will help NASA develop the technologies and skills needed for a successful mission to Mars.
NASA already achieved key milestones with the Artemis I mission in November 2022. The uncrewed mission successfully launched using the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft, orbiting the Moon and returning safely to Earth. The first crewed mission, Artemis III, is scheduled for 2026, with astronauts expected to land at the Moon’s south pole.
The Artemis astronauts will establish habitats on the lunar surface, mining and purifying water from subsurface ice deposits. This experience will be crucial for the eventual human exploration of Mars, which will require similar survival techniques on the red planet. Though a Mars mission is still a decade away, NASA’s continued progress with the Artemis program will help pave the way for humanity’s exploration of Mars.
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