In your opinion, when do you think humans will step on Mars?
-- Brad (Team Mercury)

MAGNUS: I do not know, but it will be many years yet. We are going to first go back to the moon and establish an outpost and develop the technology and operational procedures that we will use on Mars. The moon is only three days away, and if they need help or need to return to Earth while we are developing the technology, it is possible. Once we send people to Mars, they will be on their own. So we have to really understand what we are doing and how we will do it. In the meantime, we are learning more about Mars and answering questions such as -- what natural resources on the planet can we use, where exactly should we establish a base, what kind of soil, weather and environment do we have to design equipment and shelters to survive in? Going to Mars is something that you will be doing. I anticipate that it will happen in my lifetime, but probably after I am done with my career in the astronaut office.