Gallery: How to Get to Mars ... And Maybe Even Live There

  • Image may contain Space Station
    NASA
    01

    1964-mariner3

    X 1964: Mariner 3 Fails to eject its protective shield; the added weight throws it off trajectory.
  • Image may contain Space Station
    NASA
    02

    1964-mariner04

    1965: Mariner 4 Completes a successful flyby, returning images and readings of the planet’s atmosphere.
  • Image may contain Space Station
    NASA
    03

    1969-mariner06-07

    1969: Mariners 6 & 7 Complete flybys studying the surface and atmosphere to de-termine if Mars might host life.
  • Image may contain Ceiling Fan Appliance Building Tower Architecture and Clock Tower
    NASA
    04

    1971-Mariner-8---9

    X 1971: Mariner 8 Flyby mission fails on launch when the engine and spacecraft separate. 1971: Mariner 9 Reaches Mars orbit successfully and is the first craft to orbit another planet.
  • Image may contain Astronomy Universe Space Outer Space Animal Invertebrate Arachnid and Spider
    NASA
    05

    1992-mars-observer

    X 1993: Mars Observer Contact is lost with the orbiter three days before it reaches the planet.
  • Image may contain Wheel and Machine
    NASA
    06

    1996-Sojourner-on-Mars-PIA01122

    1996: Pathfinder Brings the six-wheeled rover Sojourner to Mars.
  • Image may contain Universe Moon Space Night Astronomy Outdoors Outer Space and Nature
    NASA
    07

    1996-mars-global-surveyor

    1998: Mars Global Surveyor Successfully orbits the planet to study its topography and surface composition.
  • Image may contain Human Person Animal Bird Universe Space Astronomy and Outer Space
    NASA
    08

    1999-mars-polar-lander-mpl

    X 1999: Mars Polar Lander Loses communication upon atmospheric entry and hasn’t been heard from since.
  • Image may contain Helmet Clothing and Apparel
    NASA
    09

    1999-ds2-probe

    X 1999: Deep Space 2 Two probes attempt to penetrate the surface and sample Martian soil; contact is lost.
  • X 1999 Mars Climate Orbiter Disappears into the upper Martian atmosphere when it misses its targetaltitude orbit.
    NASA
    10

    Mars-Climate-Orbiter-2

    X 1999: Mars Climate Orbiter Disappears into the upper Martian atmosphere when it misses its target-altitude orbit.
  • Image may contain Sphere Universe Space Astronomy and Outer Space
    NASA
    11

    2001-mars-odyssey--copy

    2001: Mars Odyssey Orbiter reaches Mars safely and acts as a communications relay for the rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
  • Image may contain Sphere Transportation Vehicle Aircraft and Helicopter
    NASA
    12

    2003-Spirit-exploration-rover

    2003: Spirit Mission: Study the atmosphere; characterize rocks and soil as well as look for signs of water.
  • Image may contain Wheel Machine Transportation and Vehicle
    NASA
    13

    2003-Mars-Opportunity

    2003: Opportunity Mission: same as Spirit’s.
  • Image may contain Astronomy Universe Space Outer Space Transportation Vehicle Aircraft and Helicopter
    NASA
    14

    2005-mars-reconnaissance-orbiter-PIA04918

    2005: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Studies the Martian climate and surveys sites where future missions could land.
  • Image may contain Sphere Airfield and Airport
    NASA
    15

    2007-phoenix

    2007: Phoenix Lander Goes to study water history and habitability at the northern latitudes of Mars.
  • Image may contain Wheel Machine Nature Outdoors Sand and Soil
    NASA
    16

    2011-curiosity-rover

    2011: Curiosity The largest rover yet sent to the Red Planet successfully launches. It’s still going!
  • Image may contain Lighting Transportation Vehicle Helicopter Aircraft Universe Space Astronomy and Outer Space
    NASA
    17

    2013-maven-mars-limb

    2013: Maven Orbiter Goes to study the atmosphere.
  • Image may contain Machine Bird Animal Vehicle Transportation Helicopter and Aircraft
    NASA/JPL/Caltech
    18

    2020-mars20150122-16

    2020: NASA The agency plans to send a successor to Curiosity.
  • Image may contain Space Station
    Inspiration Mars
    19

    Artist's rendering of a manned flyby of Mars in 2021. Inspiration Mars

    2021: Inspiration Mars Private venture plans to slingshot around Mars and Venus to demonstrate its technology.
  • Image may contain Vehicle Transportation Rocket Missile and Launch
    SpaceX
    20

    2026-SpaceX-CRS-1-launch-cropped

  • Image may contain Universe Space Night Astronomy Outdoors Outer Space Nature Moon and Planet
    NASA
    21

    2030-mars-globe-valles-marineris-enhanced-full

    2030: NASA Has vague plans to send humans to Mars.
Read More
The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris Haslam
The Best Apple Watch Accessories
You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.
Adrienne So
The Best Fitness Trackers Check Your Sleep, Heart Rate, or Even Your Blood
With almost ten years of hands-on testing, WIRED knows what separates the best fitness trackers from the rest.
Adrienne So
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac Health
These chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.
Michael Sawh
Death to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than Chapstick
From models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Kids' Bikes for Every Age and Size
The WIRED Reviews team has kids, and we tested all types of kids’ bikes. Here are our top picks.
Adrienne So
The 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride
I tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.
Adrienne So
The Best Game Controller for Every Kind of Player
A great gamepad instantly levels up your play. These are our top picks for Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Brad Bourque
The Best Podcasts for Everyone
Get your fix of tech, true crime, pop culture, or comedy with these audio adventures. 
Simon Hill
Our Favorite Merino Wool Clothes to Keep You Comfy in Any Weather
Merino is one of the best fabrics you can wear. We explain the different blends, what “gsm” means, and how to care for your clothes.
Scott Gilbertson
The Best Android Phones, Tested and Reviewed
Shopping for a phone can be an ordeal. That’s why we’ve tested almost every Android phone, from the smartest to the cheapest—even phones that fold—to find the ones worth your money.
Julian Chokkattu