The Year in Review 2016 Humans to Mars Report

Mars Science Paving the Way Notable Discoveries – The Past 5 Years Mars was once a habitable environment capable of supporting microbial life Organic molecules are present on the surface of Mars The surface of Mars is active today, with a full seasonal carbon dioxide cycle including gaseous geysers in the winter, and potential flowing liquid brines during the summer. Courtesy NASA

Mars Science The Next 5 Years 2020 Mars Science Rover Planning In-Situ Resource Utilization demonstration (MOXIE) Caching materials for eventual return Shallow high-resolution ground penetrating radar Environmental assessment instruments Many Missions in Development or Under Study Courtesy NASA

Integrated Human and Robotic Activities First Mars Exploration Zone/Landing Site Workshop Third Community Workshop on Affording and Sustaining Human Mars Exploration (AM III) Prior, current, and future Mars robotic missions pave the way Fill strategic knowledge gaps Opportunities to demonstrate key technologies Provide operational capabilities Recommendations Next Generation Orbiter to prospect for resources and replace aging telecommunications Complete round-trip Mars Sample Return Recommendations Next Generation Orbiter to prospect for resources and replace aging telecommunications Complete round-trip Mars Sample Return Courtesy NASA

System Architecture NASA’s Evolvable Mars Campaign Ongoing series of architectural trade analyses for sustained human presence Key Findings to Date Common capabilities needed ISS providing critical research capability Cis-lunar proving ground for operations and testing SLS and Orion are key initial developments Deep-space habitat as initial starting point Solar Electric Propulsion is effective Courtesy NASA

System Architecture Case Study: JPL’s Minimal Mars Independent study Humans to Mars orbit (Phobos) in 2033 Humans to Mars in 2039 Demonstrated fiscal affordability fitting approximately within the current NASA human spaceflight budget adjusted for inflation. Courtesy JPL

System Architecture Progress on The Seven Key Elements Orion A Mars-capable spacecraft SLS Completed CDR Electric Propulsion Flight unit under contract Deep-Space Habitat Concept studies in work Mars Lander/Ascent Feasibility progressing Mars Surface Systems First landing site workshop In-Situ Resources MOXIE completed PDR

The Proving Ground Biomedical Considerations NASA and research parties continue to make progress Recommendations Multiple additional long-duration missions in LEO should be executed Cislunar missions should be performed to better understand the deep-space environment “There are no crew health risks at this time that are considered “mission-stoppers” for a human mission to Mars”. – Rich Williams / NASA Chief Health and Medical Officer “There are no crew health risks at this time that are considered “mission-stoppers” for a human mission to Mars”. – Rich Williams / NASA Chief Health and Medical Officer Courtesy Time Magazine

Policy Opportunities and Challenges Momentum – can’t afford a redirection Put forth good ideas for reducing timeline with increased funding Capture the public’s imagination – “The Martian” effect Keep space budget in context “Why Mars” needs to be better articulated by the community Better relationships must be built with national and international press Continue to dispel the $1 trillion myth Improve storytelling – engage the public Strengthen Hollywood partnerships “Why Mars” needs to be better articulated by the community Better relationships must be built with national and international press Continue to dispel the $1 trillion myth Improve storytelling – engage the public Strengthen Hollywood partnerships