Mars Missions: Preparing for the First Humans on the Red Planet

Mars is the most Earth-like planet in our solar system, making it the prime target for human exploration.
Robotic missions like Viking, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance have paved the way.
NASA’s Perseverance rover is collecting samples that could be returned to Earth.
The thin atmosphere and dust storms make landing and survival extremely challenging.
A one-way trip to Mars takes about 6–9 months with current rocket technology.
Future missions will test ways to make oxygen and fuel from Martian resources.
SpaceX’s Starship aims to carry large crews and cargo to Mars.
NASA’s Artemis program to the Moon is seen as a stepping stone for Mars.
The first crewed Mars missions could launch in the 2030s.
Success would mark humanity’s first step toward becoming a multi-planet species.