As world history illustrates, humans are compelled to discover new frontiers. Our exploration of the space frontier has already begun. Robotic missions and new technologies are the first steps toward expanding human presence in the solar system. Human missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond may become a reality in the 21st century and NASA is leading the way.

The world's attention is focused on the exploration of the solar system more strongly now than ever before. The discovery of possible ancient life on Mars and the Pathfinder examinations are credited with much of that attention.

The rationale for exploring and settling space mirrors the spirit that has compelled explorers through the ages. NASA's mission to explore continues this tradition, as we build a foundation of technology, experience and scientific knowledge to go even further than we might ever have imagined. During the first decades of the 21st century, explorers from Earth will probably set foot on Mars (or possibly even other planets) and expand the human frontier.

According to Rick Searfoss and others, it will probably be OUR generation that will be the ones to land on Mars! How exciting! 

Learn more about some of the stuff we have discovered about the planets in our solar system by clicking on a link to the right.