NASA plans crewed Mars mission for 2035 after Moon return for training

NASA plans to send humans to Mars as early as 2035, following a return to the Moon for training and technology testing. The Mars mission will involve a round trip of about 500 days, covering 250 million miles each way. The Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2026, where they will prepare for Mars exploration. This mission will focus on establishing habitats and studying potential water sources on the lunar surface. NASA has identified key scientific questions for the Mars mission, including the search for current life and understanding Mars' environmental changes. These inquiries will guide the mission's objectives and research focus.