A PATH TO MARS

BUILDING BLOCKS
Production 6
Space Launch
1 System (SLS)
Heavy lift launch system
that transports crew and
2 + 3 + 4
all elements from Earth to
space enabling the path
to Mars. Exploration Habitat Mars Surface Capability
Key systems demonstrated Descent and ascent on Mars
Production
Orion
2 Crew transportation vehicle
that carries humans from
Earth to in-space habitats 5 + 6
and back.

Early Development 1 + 2
Transit Habitat
3 The primary crew living
quarters, the habitat has all
the systems necessary to SLS and Orion
keep the crew healthy. Primary transportation
capabilities established

Early Development
Deep Space Tug Today
4 The tug moves in-space
elements to other Low Earth Orbit Missions
locations, utilizing solar
ISS is a testbed for deep space hardware
electric and chemical 2 + 3 + 4
propulsion. and operations

Mars Transit Vehicle

Concept Interplanetary crew transport
Mars Lander/
5 Heat Shield
The heat shield is needed
to enter the Martian
atmosphere so the lander
can perform a propulsive
landing.

Concept
Mars Ascent
6 Vehicle
A small crew vehicle that
carries crew to the surface
of Mars (with the lander)
and back to space and
is also a small habitat for
short stays.
2020s
1. Proving Ground Missions
Initial missions near the moon
demonstrate important space systems
and demonstrate early elements of
the Mars transportation vehicles.
Early 2030s Mid to Late 2030s
2. Mission to Mars Vicinity 3. Mars Surface
The vehicles and systems validated in Future development capabilities
cislunar space are used for missions for landing and ascent on Mars
to Mars orbit, proving capabilities for will enable Mars surface exploration.
transit to Mars.