NASA’s Journey to Mars

NASA began our exploration of Mars more than four decades ago when our robotic explorers were the first to study the Red Planet. Today, our orbiters and rovers have changed the way we look at Mars and continue to make important scientific discoveries that will one day pave the way for our astronauts. Aboard NASA's Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket, astronauts will explore an asteroid in the next decade and return to Earth with samples. This experience will help us test new systems and capabilities needed to get to Mars. And right now, NASA is using the International Space Station to conduct cutting-edge research and technology development to help prepare our astronauts to take the next giant leap in exploration.