Exploration architecture
The Moon-to-Mars Architecture
The strategy of returning to the Moon first, and using it as a proving ground for the systems and skills needed to send crews to Mars. Under this integrated approach the Artemis missions and the Lunar Gateway are steps toward a longer campaign, testing habitats, life support, and surface operations close to home before the far harder journey to Mars.
Highlights
- ›The Moon as a proving ground for Mars
Systems, programs & concepts
Knowledge connections
- Associated withArtemis program
- Associated withLunar Gateway
- Associated withThe Mars Surface Base
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.