NASA has set its sights on an ambitious plan to send human explorers to Mars as early as 2035, embarking on a scientific journey that will take astronauts approximately six to seven months to traverse the vast distance of nearly 250 million miles (402 million kilometers) each way. During this extraordinary mission, astronauts could spend as many as 500 days on the Martian surface, all in pursuit of unraveling the mysteries hidden beneath the red planet's surface.

To prepare for this monumental task, NASA's Artemis program is facilitating a return to the Moon this decade, acting as a crucial training ground for Martian exploration. The Artemis missions, named after the twin sister of Apollo in mythology, aim not only to establish a lunar presence but also to gather vital data and experience necessary for future missions to Mars.

As an atmospheric scientist and former NASA researcher, I've delved into the many questions a Mars mission seeks to address. Why does Mars look the way it does today? Has it ever harbored life? These compelling inquiries drive the need for human exploration, which could reveal invaluable insights into Mars' geological history and its potential to support life.

A Geological Treasure Trove

Mars' geological makeup is a fascinating aspect of our solar system. Formed around 4.6 billion years ago alongside other celestial bodies, Mars once boasted a climate and environment strikingly similar to early Earth, complete with vast oceans and a robust atmosphere. However, the planet's transformation over billions of years left it barren and arid, with its once abundant surface water now trapped in ice caps and underground reservoirs.

Evidence gathered from robotic missions hints at a vibrant history — ancient riverbeds, lake sites, and even signs of oceanic coastlines. Today, Mars' thin atmosphere is predominantly carbon dioxide, filled with dust particles that lend the planet its signature red hue.

Despite our extensive knowledge gathered via robotic missions, many intriguing geological features await further examination. For instance, the distinct difference between Mars' northern and southern hemispheres presents essential clues to understanding its evolutionary history. The northern lowlands, with their smooth terrain and few craters, contrast sharply with the heavily cratered southern highlands, suggesting a tumultuous past marked by powerful geological events.

Human Insights into Mars' Life Potential

To maximize the scientific yield from a human mission, NASA has established a comprehensive framework evaluating key research questions. Co-chaired by myself and NASA scientist James B. Garvin, our inquiry focuses on what aspects of Mars can only be fully understood through human investigation, as opposed to robotic analysis.

One pivotal question remains: Is there currently life on Mars? With both Earth and Mars originating under similar conditions—with abundant liquid water and a denser atmosphere approximately 3.8 billion years ago—the possibility of past or existing life remains a tantalizing prospect.

Another pressing inquiry revolves around the environmental transformations that led to Mars losing its liquid water and much of its atmosphere. Understanding this loss not only provides insights into Mars but also adds to our knowledge of planetary evolution and climate change.

The Journey to the Red Planet

For this audacious expedition, NASA's engineering team has developed the Space Launch System—a powerful launch vehicle, alongside the Orion spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to Mars and bring them safely home.

Preparation for life on Mars is intricately linked with the Artemis program, which will have astronauts living and working on the Moon for extended periods. This training is vital, as the lunar environment is a microcosm for the challenges faced on Mars.

In late 2022, the Artemis I mission successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the SLS and Orion spacecraft, embarking on an uncrewed journey to the Moon and returning to Earth after an impressive 1.4 million-mile voyage.

Looking ahead, Artemis III is slated for 2026 and aims to establish a human presence on the lunar surface, specifically targeting the Moon’s south pole. This region is believed to harbor large deposits of ice that astronauts can utilize for sustaining life—an essential aspect of our plan for eventual Martian colonization.

The race to Mars is not just about exploration but may very well be the quest that answers some of humanity's most profound questions. Are we alone in the universe? Stay tuned as NASA embarks on what could be the most exciting chapter in space exploration history!