NASA isn't just planning on eventually sending astronauts to Mars, it is hoping to one day, within the next 50 years, to actually building a colony on the red planet.
The space agency has published a detailed document, Nasa's Journey to Mars — Pioneering Next Steps in Space Exploration, which breaks down it's Mars exploration plan into three stages - a lot of it surrounding research.
Humanity's next journey
NASA sees its Journey to Mars plans as "a global achievement that marks a transition in humanity's expansion as we go to Mars, not just to visit, but to stay".
The Earth Independent colonies will allow humans to live and work in a created environment that can "support human life for years, with only routine maintenance".
NASA is hoping that eventually, those living in colonies on Mars will be able to harvest "Martian resources to create fuel, water, oxygen and building materials."
"Future missions will face increasingly difficult challenges associated with transportation, working in space, and staying healthy," NASA said, adding that these elements are already being addressed on the ISS.
"For the rest, NASA and our partners will leverage the Proving Ground [stage] with science missions and capability demonstrations to close the remaining gaps and ensure we have the ability to get to Mars, land safely, live and work productively, and return."