As we continue to explore the vastness of space, the year 2025 promises to be an exciting time for space missions. With advancements in technology and increasing collaboration among nations, we can expect a number of groundbreaking discoveries and missions to be launched in the coming years. From studying the origins of the universe to searching for habitable planets, the future of space exploration is bright. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the space missions planned for 2025 and what they hope to achieve. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to explore the cosmos!
Space Exploration in 2025: A Overview
NASA’s Plans for the Future
Artemis mission to the Moon
The Artemis mission, named after the Greek goddess of wilderness and the hunt, is a multi-phase project that aims to return humans to the Moon by 2025. This time, however, the mission is not just about setting foot on the lunar surface, but also establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon, which will pave the way for future exploration of Mars and beyond.
Development of the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft
To make the Artemis mission a reality, NASA is developing the Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket ever built, which will serve as the launch vehicle for the Orion spacecraft. The SLS will be capable of carrying astronauts and cargo to the Moon, and is designed to be reusable, reducing costs and increasing safety.
Collaboration with commercial partners for lunar exploration
In addition to developing its own technologies, NASA is also collaborating with commercial partners to advance lunar exploration. This includes partnering with companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin to develop new technologies and capabilities, as well as supporting the development of commercial landing systems that will enable private companies to transport cargo and astronauts to the lunar surface.
By 2025, NASA plans to have a working lunar base, with a focus on science and technology development, and to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon that will allow for longer duration stays and more ambitious exploration missions in the future.
Private Space Companies’ Ambitious Goals
- SpaceX’s Starship program and plans for Mars colonization
- The Starship program is a critical part of SpaceX’s ambitious plans to establish a sustainable human presence on Mars. The program involves the development of a massive, reusable spacecraft capable of carrying up to 100 passengers and a significant amount of cargo to the Red Planet.
- The primary objective of the Starship program is to make humanity a multiplanetary species by enabling long-term, sustainable human presence on Mars. SpaceX aims to achieve this goal by developing a fully reusable transportation system that can safely and reliably transport humans and cargo to Mars and back.
- The Starship spacecraft will be powered by a new Raptor engine, which is currently under development. The engine will be capable of producing more than 7 million pounds of thrust, making it one of the most powerful rocket engines ever built.
- SpaceX plans to conduct the first crewed Starship mission to Mars in 2026, with a goal of establishing a permanent, self-sustaining human settlement on the planet within the next few decades.
- Blue Origin’s ambitions to establish a base on the Moon
- Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is another private space company with ambitious plans for space exploration. The company’s primary goal is to make space travel more accessible and affordable, with a focus on establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon.
- Blue Origin’s lunar base plans involve the development of a reusable landing system called the Blue Moon, which will be capable of transporting cargo and astronauts to the lunar surface. The company aims to demonstrate the capabilities of the Blue Moon system by 2024, with a goal of landing on the Moon by 2025.
- Blue Origin’s lunar base plans include the development of a range of technologies, including in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) systems for producing water, oxygen, and other resources, as well as advanced power and life support systems.
- The company also plans to collaborate with other space companies and government agencies to support the establishment of a broader lunar economy, with a focus on scientific research, tourism, and commercial activities.
- Virgin Galactic’s plans for commercial space tourism
- Virgin Galactic is a private space company founded by Sir Richard Branson that is focused on commercial space tourism. The company has developed a reusable spaceplane called SpaceShipTwo, which is designed to carry passengers on suborbital flights to the edge of space.
- Virgin Galactic’s primary goal is to provide a unique and unforgettable experience for space tourists, allowing them to experience weightlessness, see the curvature of the Earth, and witness the beauty of the Earth from space.
- The company has already conducted several successful test flights of SpaceShipTwo, and is currently preparing for commercial operations. Virgin Galactic plans to offer space tourism flights to the general public starting in 2025, with ticket prices reportedly starting at $250,000 per person.
- Virgin Galactic’s long-term plans include the development of a fleet of spaceplanes that can offer regular commercial space tourism flights, as well as the development of new technologies for interorbital travel and space hotels.
International Space Cooperation
- Collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA)
- NASA and ESA have a long history of cooperation in space exploration, dating back to the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s. In recent years, the two agencies have continued to work together on a variety of projects, including the International Space Station (ISS) and the Mars Exploration Program.
- In 2025, NASA and ESA plan to deepen their collaboration by launching joint missions to the Moon and beyond. These missions will focus on scientific research, technology development, and human spaceflight, with the ultimate goal of establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface and eventually on Mars.
- Joint missions to the Moon and beyond
- In 2025, NASA and ESA plan to launch a series of joint missions to the Moon, with the goal of conducting scientific research and technology development in preparation for future human spaceflight missions. These missions will involve both robotic and human spacecraft, and will focus on a variety of objectives, including the search for water ice, the study of lunar geology, and the development of new technologies for long-duration spaceflight.
- In addition to their lunar missions, NASA and ESA also plan to collaborate on a mission to Mars in 2025. This mission, known as the Mars Exploration Program, will involve both robotic and human spacecraft, and will focus on the search for signs of life on the Red Planet, the study of Martian geology and climate, and the development of new technologies for human spaceflight to Mars.
- Shared goals for the exploration of Mars
- NASA and ESA share a common goal of sending humans to Mars in the coming decades, and are working together to develop the technologies and capabilities needed to make this a reality. In 2025, the two agencies plan to build on their existing Mars Exploration Program by launching a series of robotic missions to the Red Planet, with the goal of preparing for human exploration in the future. These missions will focus on a variety of objectives, including the search for water ice, the study of Martian geology and climate, and the development of new technologies for human spaceflight to Mars.
Manned Missions to the Moon and Beyond
NASA’s Artemis Mission
NASA’s Artemis Mission is a bold new initiative aimed at returning humans to the Moon by 2025, more than half a century after the historic Apollo missions. The mission is named after the Greek goddess of wilderness, Artemis, who was also the twin sister of Apollo. The primary goals of the Artemis Mission are to establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface and to prepare for future space missions, including manned missions to Mars.
Goals and Timeline
The primary goal of the Artemis Mission is to establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. This will be achieved through a series of incremental steps, with the first crewed mission scheduled for launch in 2025. The mission will involve a test flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft, which will carry four astronauts to lunar orbit. Subsequent missions will involve the deployment of a lunar gateway, a small space station that will orbit the Moon, and the landing of astronauts on the lunar surface.
The Artemis Mission is an ambitious project that will require significant resources and coordination between NASA and its international partners. The agency has set a goal of landing the first woman on the Moon as part of this mission, as well as establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. The timeline for the mission is as follows:
- 2024: Uncrewed test flight of the SLS rocket
- 2025: Crewed test flight of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft
- 2026: Deployment of the lunar gateway
- 2027: Landing of astronauts on the lunar surface
Scientific Objectives and Research
The Artemis Mission will also have significant scientific objectives and research goals. The mission will involve the collection of samples from the lunar surface, which will be used to study the Moon’s geology and resources. The mission will also provide valuable data on the lunar environment, including radiation levels and micrometeoroid impacts.
In addition, the Artemis Mission will pave the way for future space missions, including manned missions to Mars. The mission will test new technologies and techniques for deep space exploration, including the development of life support systems and communication technologies.
Importance of Lunar Exploration for Future Space Missions
The Artemis Mission is important not only for its scientific objectives but also for its potential impact on future space missions. The Moon is a logical stepping stone for manned missions to other planets, including Mars. By establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface, NASA and its partners can develop the technologies and techniques needed for deep space exploration.
Furthermore, the Artemis Mission will also help to foster international collaboration in space exploration. The mission is a partnership between NASA and its international partners, including the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. The mission will help to build on existing collaborations and establish new partnerships in the pursuit of space exploration.
SpaceX’s Starship Program
Plans for Mars Colonization
- Establishing a sustainable human presence on the Red Planet
- Creating a self-sufficient ecosystem for long-term habitation
- Overcoming challenges such as resource scarcity and radiation exposure
Technological Challenges and Innovations
- Development of advanced propulsion systems for interplanetary travel
- In-orbit refueling and maintenance of Starship vehicles
- Advancements in life support systems and environmental control technologies
Implications for the Future of Space Travel
- Expansion of human space exploration beyond low Earth orbit
- Facilitating commercial space activities and scientific research
- Potential for collaboration with other space agencies and private companies
Other Manned Missions to the Moon and Beyond
- Blue Origin’s lunar ambitions
- Blue Origin, the private space company founded by Jeff Bezos, has been making significant strides in the development of reusable rocket technology. The company’s ultimate goal is to establish a permanent human settlement on the Moon, and they have announced plans to send a lander to the lunar surface by 2025. This mission will be the first step in achieving their larger objective of enabling commercial space travel and the exploration of space resources.
- China’s plans for the Moon and Mars
- China’s National Space Administration (CNSA) has been working towards its goal of becoming a major space power. In 2025, China plans to send a robotic mission to Mars, which will include the landing of a rover on the Martian surface. This mission will build on the success of China’s previous lunar missions, including the Chang’e 3 mission in 2013, which made the first soft landing on the Moon since the Soviet Union’s Luna 24 in 1976. China also has plans to establish a lunar base in the future, and the Mars mission will be an important step towards that goal.
- India’s space program and its lunar exploration plans
- India’s space program, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has made significant progress in recent years. In 2025, India plans to launch its third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, which will include a lander and a rover to explore the lunar surface. The mission will build on the success of previous missions, including Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. India also has plans to establish a human settlement on the Moon in the future, and the lunar exploration missions are an important step towards that goal.
Robotic Exploration of the Solar System
Missions to Mars
NASA’s Perseverance rover
- Launched in July 2020 and landed on Mars in February 2021, Perseverance is the most advanced rover ever sent to the Red Planet.
- Equipped with a plethora of scientific instruments, the rover’s primary mission is to search for signs of ancient life and collect samples for future return to Earth.
- In addition to its scientific objectives, Perseverance also carries technology demonstrations, such as the first-ever helicopter flight on another planet, and the first-ever use of a plutonium-238 power source for an extended mission beyond Earth orbit.
ESA’s Rosalind Franklin rover
- Scheduled to launch in 2028, the Rosalind Franklin rover is a joint mission between ESA and Russia’s Roscosmos space agency.
- Named after the British scientist who played a key role in the discovery of DNA, the rover will search for signs of past or present life on Mars and study the planet’s geology.
- The rover will also test new technologies, such as a drilling system that can extract samples from underground layers, and a system for producing oxygen from the Martian atmosphere.
India’s Mars Orbiter Mission 2
- Launched in 2013, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission was the country’s first interplanetary mission and successfully entered orbit around Mars in 2014.
- The spacecraft’s primary objective was to demonstrate India’s capability to design and execute a space mission to another planet.
- In addition to its primary mission, the spacecraft has conducted a number of scientific studies, including the search for signs of water on the Martian surface and the mapping of the planet’s mineral composition.
- India is planning a follow-up mission, Mars Orbiter Mission 2, which is expected to launch in the early 2020s and will focus on more in-depth scientific studies of the Martian surface and subsurface.
Exploration of Other Planets
The exploration of other planets in our solar system is a crucial aspect of space exploration. With advancements in technology, robotic spacecraft have been sent to explore planets such as Jupiter and Saturn, as well as their moons, and to study asteroids and comets. These missions provide valuable data about the composition, atmosphere, and potential for habitability of these celestial bodies.
- Jupiter and its Moons
- Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has been visited by several spacecraft, including the Galileo mission in the 1990s. The next mission to Jupiter, known as the Europa Clipper, is scheduled to launch in 2024 and will focus on studying the moon Europa, which is believed to have a subsurface ocean that could potentially harbor life.
- Other moons of Jupiter, such as Callisto and Ganymede, have also been targets of previous missions and are considered to be promising candidates for future exploration due to their potential for habitability.
- Saturn and its Moons
- The Cassini mission, which ended in 2017, provided extensive data on Saturn and its moons. Future missions to Saturn, such as the Enceladus and Titan Saturn System Mission, are planned for the 2030s and will focus on studying the potential habitability of the moons Enceladus and Titan.
- Enceladus, in particular, is of interest due to its geysers of water vapor, which suggest the presence of a subsurface ocean. Titan, on the other hand, has a thick atmosphere and is thought to have a methane-rich environment, making it a target for the search for life in a different form than on Earth.
- Exploration of Asteroids and Comets
- The study of asteroids and comets is important for understanding the formation and evolution of our solar system. Future missions, such as the Psyche mission to a metal asteroid and the Comet Interceptor mission, are planned for the 2020s and will provide valuable data on these celestial bodies.
- The Psyche mission, in particular, will be the first to visit a metal asteroid and will provide insights into the composition and structure of these unique objects. The Comet Interceptor mission, on the other hand, will be the first to study a newly discovered comet and will provide information on the composition and behavior of these icy bodies.
Overall, the exploration of other planets in our solar system is a critical aspect of space exploration and will continue to provide valuable insights into the composition, atmosphere, and potential for habitability of these celestial bodies.
Interstellar Exploration
- Proxima Centauri and TRAPPIST-1
- Proxima Centauri is a star located at the center of the Alpha Centauri system, which is the closest star system to Earth. It is a red dwarf star, smaller and cooler than the Sun, and has a mass of about 12% that of the Sun.
- TRAPPIST-1 is a star located in the constellation of Cetus, about 40 light-years away from Earth. It is also a red dwarf star, but even smaller and cooler than Proxima Centauri, with a mass of only about 8% that of the Sun.
- Both Proxima Centauri and TRAPPIST-1 are considered among the best candidates for finding potentially habitable exoplanets, or planets that orbit stars outside of our solar system.
- Breakthrough Starshot and the quest for faster-than-light travel
- Breakthrough Starshot is a proposed mission that aims to send a fleet of tiny spacecraft to the Alpha Centauri system, with the goal of reaching Proxima Centauri in just 20 years.
- The spacecraft would be propelled by a powerful laser beam fired from Earth, and would travel at a speed of up to 20% the speed of light.
- While the technology for such a mission is still in the early stages of development, it represents a major step forward in the quest for faster-than-light travel, which could revolutionize space exploration and make interstellar travel a reality.
- The potential for human habitation in other star systems
- As our understanding of the universe continues to expand, the possibility of finding other planets that could support human life becomes increasingly likely.
- The discovery of exoplanets around stars like Proxima Centauri and TRAPPIST-1 has raised the possibility of finding habitable worlds within our own galaxy, which could potentially be colonized by humans in the future.
- However, many challenges remain to be overcome before such a mission could become a reality, including the development of advanced propulsion systems, life support systems, and other technologies that would be necessary for human survival in space.
Advancements in Space Technology
Propulsion Systems
Nuclear Thermal Rockets
Nuclear thermal rockets, which utilize nuclear energy to heat a propellant, are expected to see significant advancements in 2025. These rockets offer a high specific impulse, which means they can efficiently travel long distances in space. However, the main challenge is the management of radioactive materials and the risks associated with nuclear accidents. In 2025, researchers are expected to develop new designs and materials that will make nuclear thermal rockets safer and more reliable.
Electric Propulsion Systems
Electric propulsion systems, such as ion engines and Hall effect thrusters, are becoming increasingly popular for space missions. These systems use electric fields to accelerate charged particles, which generates thrust. The main advantage of electric propulsion systems is their high efficiency, which allows for longer mission durations and greater precision in navigation. In 2025, researchers are expected to improve the power efficiency of these systems, which will enable them to travel even further into space.
Breakthroughs in Propulsion Technology
In 2025, researchers are also expected to make breakthroughs in propulsion technology that could revolutionize space travel. One area of focus is the development of advanced materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of space and operate at higher temperatures. Another area of focus is the development of new propulsion concepts, such as plasma engines and light-sail propulsion, which could potentially enable faster and more efficient space travel. Overall, the goal is to develop propulsion systems that can support longer and more ambitious space missions, including manned missions to Mars and beyond.
Communication and Navigation
As space exploration continues to advance, the need for reliable communication and navigation systems becomes increasingly important. In 2025, several upgrades and developments are planned to improve communication and navigation capabilities in space.
Upgrades to the Deep Space Network
The Deep Space Network (DSN) is a global network of antennas and communication facilities that enables communication with spacecraft in deep space. In 2025, the DSN is set to undergo significant upgrades to increase its capabilities and coverage. The upgrades will include the installation of new, more powerful antennas and the implementation of advanced signal processing techniques. These improvements will enable more reliable and efficient communication with spacecraft, allowing for more data to be transmitted over longer distances.
Development of new navigation systems
Navigation in space is crucial for the safe and successful completion of space missions. In 2025, new navigation systems will be developed to improve the accuracy and reliability of spacecraft navigation. These systems will incorporate advanced technologies such as GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS to provide more precise navigation data. Additionally, new algorithms will be developed to enable more efficient and accurate spacecraft positioning and tracking.
Improvements in communication technology for remote space missions
Remote space missions require reliable and efficient communication systems to enable real-time communication between the spacecraft and ground control. In 2025, improvements in communication technology will be made to enhance the communication capabilities of remote space missions. These improvements will include the development of more powerful and efficient transmitters and receivers, as well as the implementation of advanced error correction techniques. Additionally, new communication protocols will be developed to enable more efficient and reliable data transmission over long distances.
Overall, the advancements in communication and navigation technology in 2025 will play a critical role in enabling more successful and ambitious space missions. The improvements in the DSN, the development of new navigation systems, and the enhancements in communication technology will all contribute to a more capable and reliable space exploration infrastructure.
Space Tourism and Commercialization
- Progress in commercial space tourism
- Suborbital flights offering a taste of space for the general public
- Increased accessibility through private companies and partnerships with space agencies
- Growing interest from celebrities and wealthy individuals, fueling demand and investment
- Advancements in space hotels and other tourism infrastructure
- Development of modular space stations and inflatable habitats
- Proposals for orbiting hotels and luxury resorts
- Integration of artificial intelligence and robotics for enhanced guest experience
- The future of space commerce and its impact on the economy
- Expansion of commercial activities in space, including mining and manufacturing
- Opportunities for telecommunications and Earth observation
- Potential for job creation and economic growth in both space-faring and supporting industries
The Future of Space Exploration
Long-Term Goals and Challenges
Establishing a Permanent Human Presence in Space
One of the primary long-term goals of space exploration is to establish a permanent human presence in space. This will require the development of sustainable and self-sufficient habitats that can support human life for extended periods. Space agencies such as NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are already working on projects to develop these habitats, which will be crucial for future space missions.
Sustainable Development of Space Resources
Another long-term goal is the sustainable development of space resources. This includes the extraction and utilization of resources such as water, minerals, and metals found in space. These resources will be essential for supporting human life in space and for enabling future space missions. Space agencies are working on technologies to extract and process these resources, which will be critical for the sustainability of space exploration.
Overcoming Challenges in Long-Distance Space Travel
Long-distance space travel presents significant challenges, including radiation exposure, microgravity effects on the human body, and the need for reliable and efficient propulsion systems. Space agencies are working on technologies to overcome these challenges, such as developing new materials and technologies to protect astronauts from radiation exposure and developing new propulsion systems that can travel further and faster than current systems.
Expanding Human Knowledge of the Universe
Finally, a long-term goal of space exploration is to expand human knowledge of the universe. This includes studying the origins of the universe, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the exploration of other planets and celestial bodies. Space agencies are developing new technologies and instruments to enable these studies, such as telescopes and space probes that can explore the far reaches of the universe.
Overall, the long-term goals of space exploration are ambitious and challenging, but they also offer tremendous opportunities for scientific discovery and technological innovation. Space agencies and private companies are working together to develop the technologies and capabilities needed to achieve these goals, and the future of space exploration looks bright.
Emerging Technologies and Innovations
As the space industry continues to evolve, emerging technologies and innovations are playing a significant role in shaping the future of space exploration. These advancements are not only making space missions more efficient and cost-effective but also enabling us to explore previously unreachable areas of the cosmos. In this section, we will delve into some of the most promising emerging technologies and their potential applications in space exploration.
Quantum communication and computing
Quantum communication and computing are two areas that are expected to revolutionize space exploration in the coming years. Quantum communication uses quantum bits or qubits to transmit information, which can travel much faster and securely than traditional communication methods. This technology has the potential to enable real-time communication between spacecraft and ground control, as well as between different space agencies. In addition, quantum computing can significantly speed up complex calculations, such as those required for navigation and propulsion, making space missions more efficient.
Autonomous systems for space exploration
Autonomous systems, including robotics and artificial intelligence, are becoming increasingly important in space exploration. These systems can perform tasks such as inspection, maintenance, and repair, freeing up human astronauts to focus on more complex tasks. In addition, autonomous systems can operate in hazardous environments, such as those found on other planets, where human safety is a concern. Autonomous systems can also be used for planetary exploration, where they can gather data and transmit it back to Earth, allowing scientists to study the planet’s characteristics without the need for human exploration.
Nanotechnology and its potential applications in space
Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of matter on a very small scale, usually at the molecular or atomic level. This technology has the potential to revolutionize space exploration in several ways. For example, nanomaterials can be used to create lightweight and durable spacecraft components, such as heat shields and structural materials. In addition, nanotechnology can be used to develop new materials with unique properties, such as self-healing materials that can repair themselves in space. Nanotechnology can also be used to develop new sensors and instruments that can detect and analyze the composition of celestial bodies, allowing scientists to gain a better understanding of the universe.
In conclusion, emerging technologies and innovations are playing a critical role in shaping the future of space exploration. From quantum communication and computing to autonomous systems and nanotechnology, these advancements are enabling us to explore the cosmos in new and exciting ways. As the space industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more exciting developments in the years to come.
The Role of International Cooperation
- Collaboration between space agencies
International cooperation in space exploration has become increasingly important as space agencies work together to achieve shared goals. One key aspect of this collaboration is the sharing of resources and expertise. For example, NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2024, is working with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop the lunar lander that will carry astronauts to the surface. This collaboration allows both agencies to pool their resources and expertise, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective program.
- Joint missions and shared goals
International cooperation also extends to joint missions, where space agencies work together to achieve a common goal. One example of this is the International Space Station (ISS), which is a collaborative effort between NASA, ESA, the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos), and other space agencies. The ISS serves as a platform for scientific research and technology development, and has been continuously inhabited by astronauts since 2000.
- The importance of global partnerships in space exploration
Global partnerships in space exploration are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and technological capabilities. Collaboration between space agencies allows for the sharing of resources and expertise, leading to more efficient and cost-effective space missions. Additionally, international cooperation fosters a sense of shared purpose and helps to build trust and cooperation between nations. In a time of increasing global challenges, space exploration offers a unique opportunity for nations to work together towards a common goal.
FAQs
1. What space missions are planned for 2025?
There are several space missions planned for 2025, including the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, which will replace the Hubble Space Telescope and will have the capability to observe even more distant and faint objects in the universe. Additionally, the European Space Agency (ESA) plans to launch the Mars Sample Return Mission, which aims to collect samples from the Martian surface and bring them back to Earth for analysis. NASA also plans to launch the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), which will study dark energy and search for exoplanets.
2. What is the James Webb Space Telescope?
The James Webb Space Telescope is a space observatory that will be launched in 2025. It is designed to observe the universe in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing astronomers to study the formation of galaxies, the evolution of stars and planets, and the search for signs of life on exoplanets. The telescope is named after James Webb, the NASA administrator who oversaw the Apollo program in the 1960s.
3. What is the Mars Sample Return Mission?
The Mars Sample Return Mission is a joint mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Roscosmos, the Russian space agency. The mission aims to collect samples from the Martian surface and bring them back to Earth for analysis. The mission will involve a lander and a rover that will search for and collect samples from different locations on the Martian surface. The samples will then be transported to a waiting spacecraft that will bring them back to Earth for further study.
4. What is the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST)?
The Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) is a space observatory that will be launched by NASA in 2025. The telescope will study dark energy, which is thought to be responsible for the expansion of the universe, and search for exoplanets, which are planets that orbit stars outside of our solar system. WFIRST will be able to observe a large area of the sky at once, making it an ideal tool for studying the distribution of galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe.