Why People Can't Reach Mars - Experts

NASA still hasn't set a specific timeline for the first human landing on Mars. Despite decades of discussion, the program hasn't moved from concept to a well-defined project with an approved budget and schedule. As early as 1969, the Space Task Group proposed a crewed flight in the 1980s, but plans were shelved due to lack of funding. ESA's Aurora program also didn't materialize. NASA has only defined basic decisions: a crew of at least four and nuclear power, but landing and return technologies aren't approved. The main problem is returning the crew from Mars.

NASA still hasn't set a specific timeline for the first human landing on Mars, despite decades of discussion. The full program hasn't moved from concept to a well-defined project with an approved budget, schedule, and technical solutions. This is reported by the portal Spacedaily. As early as 1969, during the final stage of the Apollo program, the Space Task Group developed scenarios, including a crewed flight to Mars in the 1980s, but this required an orbital station, reusable spacecraft, and a lunar base, which didn't receive sufficient support. The European Space Agency launched the Aurora program in 2003 with plans for a landing in 2030 or 2033, but it didn't materialize due to dependence on funding and international cooperation. NASA's current strategy, 'Moon to Mars Architecture,' only defines necessary technologies but isn't a concrete plan. It's already decided that the first crews will be at least four people, and the main power source will be a nuclear installation. However, landing and takeoff technologies, fuel production for return, mission duration, and infrastructure aren't approved. The main problem is returning the crew from Mars, as humanity hasn't yet launched vehicles from its surface to orbit. Exact timelines will only appear after a full program is approved and funded.