“Inspiration Mars” to pursue human mission to the Red Planet in 2018
New nonprofit foundation to move U.S. farther and faster toward its destiny as
world leader in technical innovation, science, exploration and discovery
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Inspiration Mars) – A unique window of opportunity for humankind will open in January 2018, and the Inspiration Mars Foundation intends to seize it, announcing plans today to pursue a challenging manned mission to Mars and back. This historic 501-day journey around the Red Planet is made possible by a rare planetary alignment that occurs five years from now.
Two professional crew members – one man, one woman – flying as private citizens will embark on what is known as a “fast, free-return” mission, passing within 100 miles of Mars before swinging back and safely returning to Earth. Target launch date is Jan. 5, 2018.
(more…)