NASA is targeting the early 2030s for its first crewed mission to Mars, Acting Administrator Sean Duffy told Fox News.
Duffy explained that the program will follow a phased approach. First, NASA will deliver the supplies needed to build a base. Only then will astronauts be sent. The initial mission, Duffy noted, is expected to last about eight months.
Before attempting a Mars flight, NASA plans to test long-duration travel with a mission to the moon. In spring 2026, four astronauts are scheduled to orbit the moon. Afterward, they will land and spend eight to 12 days on the lunar surface. By comparison, the longest human stay on the moon to date has been just three days.
