The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a landmark, 240-page blueprint detailing the scientific agenda for the first crewed missions to Mars. The report, commissioned by NASA, represents the most detailed assessment yet of what researchers believe the initial three Mars landings should accomplish. It focuses on the highest priority science objectives, including understanding the Red Planet’s geological and biological history, and assessing planetary protection concerns for both forwarding (Earth-to-Mars) and backward (Mars-to-Earth) contamination.
