The Red Planet. A whole new world for us to explore, settle, and build on. Potential for entire new societies, economies, and cultures. A way of improving our survival odds, making us a multi-planetary species, and kickstarting the longer-term process of settlement across the Solar System.
The idea is tremendously exciting and could happen within our lifetimes. But many technical, financial, and other hurdles remain. Then again, we are living in exponential times when change is happening faster and faster. See, for example, the rapid decline in launch costs.
We have already gone to the Moon, and are likely to return there soon. So when do you predict a human will first set foot on Mars?
The dates given here (and in the poll options) are based on the possible launch windows, which occur every 26 months. Plus they assume an average travel time of 7.5 months, although this might change with faster propulsion methods in the future.
2025
2027
2029
2031
2033
2035
2037
2039
2041
2043
2045
2047
2049
2051
Currently, the main players seem to be:
NASA
Stated goal of Mars landing in the 2030s, either using an upgraded SLS or possibly a commercial option, e.g. SpaceX rocket(s).
SpaceX
Starship rocket is gigantic, relatively low cost, and could be ideally suited to such a mission if subsequent tests/iterations prove successful. However, founder and CEO Musk is notorious for being overly-optimistic in his timelines.
China
Their space programme is progressing rapidly, although still lags considerably behind NASA. But they seem very determined to achieve this milestone and it would be phenomenal for their country's reputation and place in history.
Other players include the European Space Agency (ESA), India, Japan, and a few others. Although we can probably rule these out, they seem likely to play a role in terms of collaboration/technology, as well as subsequent landings.
Some have speculated that, like NASA's upcoming return to the Moon, the first human to walk on Mars could be a woman:
