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The Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board brings engineering and other related expertise together to address aerospace issues of national importance.

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Search for Life Should Be Top Science Priority for First Human Landing on Mars, Says New Report

News Release

When astronauts set foot on Mars, it will be one of humanity’s greatest milestones, marking the start of a new era of discovery on another planet. A new National Academies report identifies the highest priority science objectives for the first human missions to Mars and says searching for evidence of existing or past life on the planet should be the top priority.

Dec 9, 2025
cover art for A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars
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