24.11.2024, Moscow.
Manned missions to Mars may begin within the next 50 years, stated Yuri Borisov, Director General of State Corporation for Space Activities Roscosmos, in an interview with the TV channel Solovyov Live on November 22.
According to Borisov, within this period, humanity will develop the necessary technologies and create rockets that will reduce travel time. He mentioned that current flights to other planets are perceived as science fiction, and the potential challenges are related to human behavior during long space journeys and maintaining bodily functions in microgravity conditions.
The Roscosmos head also discussed plans for using the nuclear tug “Zeus,” which is being developed in Russia. A prototype of this device is planned to be created by 2030. “We are currently working on this project independently, and it is progressing quite successfully,” Borisov added, confirming the achieved reactor capacities. He expressed confidence that by 2030–2040, the device will be practically ready for use in deep space exploration and scientific programs.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk mentioned plans to send the Starship spacecraft to Mars within two years to test a safe landing on the planet. He noted that if the test is successful, manned missions to Mars could begin within four years.
