By the 2030s, we'll be ready to start sending people to Mars

Nov 12, 2016

Csilla Orgel, a geologist with Crew 125 EuroMoonMars B mission, collects geologic samples for study at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) outside Hanksville in the Utah desert March 2, 2013. The MDRS aims to investigate the feasibility of a human exploration of Mars and uses the Utah desert's Mars-like terrain to simulate working conditions on the red planet. Scientists, students and enthusiasts work together developing field tactics and studying the terrain. All outdoor exploration is done wearing simulated spacesuits and carrying air supply packs and crews live together in a small communication base with limited amounts of electricity, food, oxygen and water. Everything needed to survive must be produced, fixed and replaced on site. Picture taken March 2, 2013. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT)ATTENTION EDITORS: PICTURE 22 OF 31 FOR PACKAGE 'MARS IN THE DESERT'SEARCH 'JIM MARS' FOR ALL IMAGES - RTR3EUHW

A scientist trains in Mars-like conditions in the Utah desert Image: REUTERS/Jim Urquhart

Ellen Stofan

Under Secretary for Science and Research, Smithsonian Institution

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U.S. President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to NASA mathematician Katherine G. Johnson during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington November 24, 2015. Johnson is a pioneer in American space history. REUTERS/Carlos Barria - RTX1VP9Z

Katherine Johnson is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama Image: REUTERS/Carlos Barria - RTX1VP9Z

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