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.

Determining if Mars ever supported microbial life. Mission to Mars

Using current chemical propulsion, the one-way journey typically takes 7 to 9 months . 3. The Martian Environment Challenges Earth and Mars align favorably only every 26 months

Getting to Mars requires overcoming massive gravitational and orbital hurdles: known as "opposition

Testing technologies for landing large payloads and surviving the harsh environment. 2. Launch Logistics

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