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The Mars mission will feature two specific profiles: a short-term stay of 30 days or a longer duration of nearly 496 days. Both missions will require significant planning, with the first mission employing gravitational assists to optimize the journey.
The Transit Habitat: A New Frontier
NASA’s plan for a Transit Habitat represents a significant advancement in space travel. It will use a hybrid propulsion system for a crew of four, launching from the lunar Gateway for the two-week trip to Mars. The design includes housing that doubles as both a habitation module and a rover, allowing astronauts to adjust smoothly to Martian gravity after a long transit period.