The efforts for space exploration continue to intensify as NASA gives a more detailed plan for bringing humans to Mars.
Following the recent discoveries in conjunction with NASA's exploration of Mars, the organization has recently released a more detailed plan discussing the steps on how to move forward in its goal of bringing humans closer to the Red Planet.
As outlined in the report, "NASA's Journey to Mars: Pioneering Next Steps in Space Exploration," NASA has broken down the steps they are currently taking and the guiding principles behind the project. It states the use of superior technology and the creation of opportunities for both government and private institutions to join the project as the foundation for their efforts.
NASA also revealed the three main components encapsulating the processes it will take to fulfill its goal as well as how they plan to execute it.
The first of such is the Earth Reliant component which mainly focuses on conducting research aboard International Space Station (ISS). This undertaking aims to discover more about how humans will survive on Mars. Here, they will also develop the technologies necessary for humans to exist on the Red Planet.
The second one is the Proving Ground stage, during which NASA will work more on applying the technologies developed during the first stage to conduct faster missions from Earth to deep space and vice versa. The plan is to operate from a base in the cislunar space — the space around the moon.
The last one is called the Earth Independent stage, which will incorporate all results and findings produced from the first two phases and use such to ultimately bring humans in closer proximity to Mars, first in its low orbits or one of its moons and eventually on its surface.
NASA also gave an update on the current status of the ongoing efforts to explore Mars, with an insight into its planned timeline.
The report also revealed its work on new rockets that will be sent out in space to help in the exploration efforts.
NASA identified three main challenges that Mars exploration would have to go through. These challenges are in the areas of transportation, working in space, and human health.
There is still a lot to be done, but the people at NASA are more determined than ever to move forward and pursue the dream of one day being able to put humans on Mars.
