Mission To Mars -

Earth and Mars align favorably only every 26 months . This alignment, known as "opposition," minimizes the fuel needed for the roughly 300-million-mile trip.

Mapping the surface minerals and understanding the planet's internal structure. Mission to Mars

Mars is a hostile environment that dictates how equipment and habitats are designed: Mars - NASA Science Earth and Mars align favorably only every 26 months

Studying the history and current state of the Martian atmosphere. known as "opposition

Determining if Mars ever supported microbial life.

The heavier the payload (rovers, habitats, or fuel), the more powerful the rocket must be to escape Earth's gravity.

Using current chemical propulsion, the one-way journey typically takes 7 to 9 months . 3. The Martian Environment Challenges