NASA is evaluating options to launch rockets toward Mars as early as next year, a potential shift that could change timelines for sending humans to the red planet and impact the fortunes of private space companies like SpaceX.
The consideration follows the White House's 2026 budget proposal, which proposes a $1 billion increase for Mars-related projects. The proposal outlines plans to pay for potential launches and signals the Trump Administration's intent to prioritize sending astronauts to Mars.
This potential re-prioritization could alter the trajectory of current programs, including Artemis, which is focused on returning humans to the Moon. Reports suggest some NASA employees were unaware of the accelerated Mars effort before a recent White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where a U.S.-Italy partnership on a Mars mission next year was reportedly discussed.
NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens confirmed the agency is reviewing possibilities for future Mars missions.
"We are evaluating every opportunity, including launch windows in 2026 and 2028, to test technologies that will land humans on Mars," Stevens said.
A focus on potential early Mars missions could accelerate demand for powerful launch vehicles, potentially benefiting companies like SpaceX led by Elon Musk, which is developing its Starship rocket system capable of deep space travel. SpaceX conducted a test flight of Starship from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on March 6, 2025.
The stated aim of the potential accelerated schedule is to test technologies necessary for landing humans on Mars. This strategic pivot aligns with the administration's focus on reaching Mars and could influence budget allocations for space exploration programs in the coming years.
