NASA Wants Astronauts Near Mars By 2033

NASA scientists are hoping to put its first astronauts “near” Mars by 2033. According to the agency the astronauts would arrive in Mars’ orbit and bit up a canister from the planets orbit after he had been launched back into space by some type of Mars Rover device. The canister according to officials would contain rock samples from the planets surface which scientists could then research.

The agency’s plans were revealed in an internal NASA study group document which aimed at replanning the agencies Mars program.

The agency’s study group is tasked with finding ways in which humans and robotic devices can better work together. According to Nature:

“In return for supplemental funds from the human program and the technology office, the robotic science missions might, for instance, include experiments useful for the human programme, such as radiation detectors or optical communication demonstrations.”

The 2033 date would coincide closely with President Obama’s previously announced timeframe for missions to Mars.

In the meantime NASA admits that simply “making plans” is not going to help meet their deadline. The agency must develop new types of rockets to reach Mars and to ensure they can get the human astronauts aboard those ships back home once again. The agency must also create new materials to shield astronauts from “intense radiation” and to shield their ships from space particles which can tear through conventional materials without a second thought.

If all goes as planned the agency will then move on to look at the possibility of landing an astronaut on Mars surface.