Earlier this month on October 11, President Barack Obama announced his enthusiasm for America’s exploration of Mars. President Obama explained that the ultimate goal is to send astronauts to Mars by the 2030s and bring them back to Earth in hopes to one day be able to stay there for an extended period of time. In this announcement, President Obama explained that with the ability to stay on Mars for an extended duration, “we’ll benefit from a better understanding of our environment and ourselves”.  According to the “Mars One” mission plan, the selection process of astronauts began in 2013 and is still taking place now but will be completed before the end of the year in order to begin training the astronauts in 2017. Over five years (2020-2025) the supplies, rovers, and living structures will be sent to Mars in preparation for the first crew members to arrive, which should take place in 2027. A second departure of crew members to Mars will take place in 2028 and additional crews will be launched every other year in order to have  thriving settlement.

More information on this mission can be found at http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/11/opinions/america-will-take-giant-leap-to-mars-barack-obama/ and http://www.mars-one.com/mission