Mission Statement

The crewed sample return mission [] will launch from [... Space Center] on the [...
spacecraft] by the year [2035] and return a [50-1,000 kg payload] of [scientifically valid
samples] by the year [...] in order to prove the existence of past and/or present life. Furthermore,
the mission will establish a permanent surface outpost on Mars which will use in-situ resources.
In doing so, the mission will strive to benefit NASA scientists, international and commercial
partners, and the public by meeting the NASA MEPAG science goals of determining whether
Mars ever held life, understanding climate processes and history, understanding the origin and
history of Mars geological system, and pioneering the human exploration on Mars.

Objectives for Goal 1

Several objectives exist for each goal. For the first goal, this mission will investigate
these soil samples to discover the viability of past life. Moreover, these soil samples will also be
analyzed to determine the presence of present life.

Objectives for Goal 2

For the second goal, the climate in the lower altitude of Mars shall be studied to help
determine weather patterns that may influence present and future missions. Furthermore, ice
samples and soil samples will be analyzed to determine the climatic history of Mars to aid future
missions, to emphasize safety, and to determine Mars past viability to sustain life.

Objectives for Goal 3

The third goal requires that the geological record of Mars is understood as well as the
processes that caused changes in Mars geological past. Moreover, this mission will attempt to
analyze the Martian interior to understand the planetary patterns of Mars geological movement.
This information will allow us to understand the geologic conditions that were present in Martian
past, what is currently present, and what will be present in the future.

Objectives for Goal 4

For the fourth goal, a human outpost with human presence will be established on the
surface of Mars. Furthermore, in-situ resource utilization will be attempted in order to create a
degree of self- sufficiency in the outpost so that constant resupplying will not be needed.

Users
The mission partners and investors that this will benefit will be the corporation SpaceX,
the space agencies NASA, the European Space Agency, and Roscosmos, research scientists, and
the general public. SpaceX receives part of the recognition that this will mission will bring.
Furthermore, this partnership will create a precedent for greater communication and cooperation
between NASA and commercial enterprises in the exploration of space. Furthermore, there will
be two international partners in this endeavor such as the European Space Agency and
Roscosmos. The European Space Agency will have the first priority in instrumental data,
meaning that they will be able to utilize the data to further their own research into the organic
history of Mars. This mission will combine different perspectives along with maintaining global
neutrality with the ESA being represented in the crew. Roscosmos will receive half of the
samples to research and disseminate the data. Furthermore, NASA as a scientific community,
will also benefit from this data. By being able to establish a human presence on the surface of
Mars, NASA can further the goals that it has set out in its mission statement. Subsequently,
research scientists will heighten their ability to accurately predict and act upon the Martian
environment based on this new knowledge. The public is also an important recipient of the data
that will arise from the mission. For example, educational outreach will be able to utilize this
new information to pique the interest of future generations and galvanize their support for space
exploration.

Operations Concept
This mission will utilize three spacecraft from SpaceX, including two Falcon Heavys
and a Dragon Capsule. In addition to being reusable, both types of spacecraft will be able to
transport both crew and cargo to Mars. Because of NASAs partnership with SpaceX, these
Falcons will be free of cost. In an emergency situation, the Dragon provides an abort system
integrated into the capsule that can return the crew to safety anywhere from on the launchpad to
orbit around Earth.
To accomplish the mission goals set for mission _____ NASA will send 6 highly trained
crew members to the Martian surface. Each member will be cross trained. The crew will be
composed of a pilot/ mechanical engineer that will work together to both allow the craft to enter
Mars as well as to construct the habitat. Furthermore, several scientists will be present to ensure
that the soil samples and various climate instrumentation is correctly utilized and stored.
Constraints
The constraints for this mission include a launch date between 2035-2050 with a total
mission duration of no more than 10 years. Furthermore, the minimum surface time must be at
least 30 days with a crew of at least two people and scientifically valid samples weighing
between 50kg and up to 1,000kg. Sustainable technologies, such as the reusable base and travel
technologies, must be created and must be applicable in both future missions and in commercial
endeavors. This base may also utilize in-situ resources. This must all be done within a budget of
320 billion dollars, with 20% reserved for later purposes.