'We Can Get There': Scientists Make the Case for Mars in 200-Page Report

Leading US scientists and engineers have published a 200-page report, "A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars," arguing for investing resources in visiting our most promising neighbor for human habitation. The core of it? They want to try to find life on another world. But beyond that, studying Mars' geology, discovering new resources, and bringing samples home would all be far easier with human boots on the ground.

For many years, Mars has been a far-flung, future project that would only be possible after new, unrealized technologies were developed. But as spacecraft like SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's Blue Moon and New Glenn are further developed, Mars grows closer, and crewed missions to the planet are looking increasingly achievable within shorter timeframes. With a new NASA administrator expected to be sworn in soon, the US could pivot its efforts towards reaching the red planet sooner rather ...