Mars has long been an interest for humankind, however, with technological advances only robotic scouts have been able to wander the red planet. A report revealed NASA’s three phased plan in preparation for the trip that delves deeper into the space threshold. The first step, “Earth Reliant”, focuses on mentally and physically preparing astronauts who will be traveling and that will take approximately 150 to 300 days to complete. Phase two will take testing into a “Proving Ground,” launching missions into orbit around the moon, between Earth and Mars, and even around Mars’ moons Phobos and Deimos. Lastly, “Earth Dependent”, is the mission to Mars and landing on it’s red soil.

Following NASA’s development concerning the “love note” from Pluto and finding water on Mars earlier in the year, NASA has now begun their first phase by recruiting astronauts for their pending trip to Mars. “This next group of American space explorers will inspire the Mars generation to reach for new heights, and help us realize the goal of putting boot prints on the Red Planet,” states NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden. Bolden expresses his ambitions that in the future, with the progress NASA is making, eventually humans will not only travel to Mars, but inhabit it, positively affecting society. Potential candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biological or physical science, or mathematics, plus just three years of professional experience or 1,000 hours of pilot time.

In addition, NASA announced that on Wednesday that the spacecraft that will eventually carry astronauts to Mars, Orion, will arrive from the European Space Agency on November 30. This space craft along with the SpaceX Crew Dragon will be the primary transport for future space travel.

Although no date has been released for when this exploration will begin, NASA has hopes that it will soon occur, beginning the days of new space discoveries!