"Mars has been described as NASA's 'horizon goal for human exploration'. However, getting humans there is no mean feat, with a one-way trip taking roughly nine months."
"Scientists from the State University of Northern Rio de Janeiro have found a 'shortcut' to Mars that could shave hundreds of days off a return trip."
"During the Mars opposition in 2031, the asteroid 2001 CA21 will be on a highly eccentric trajectory, allowing for a rapid trip to and from Mars."
"For this mission to work, the spacecraft must depart on April 20, arriving on Mars on May 23, with precise timing being crucial."
NASA aims for human exploration of Mars, but current technology requires a nine-month one-way trip. A new study identifies a shortcut that could reduce travel time to 153 days. This shortcut relies on Mars opposition, occurring every 26 months, when Earth is positioned between the sun and Mars. The study focuses on asteroid 2001 CA21, which could facilitate a rapid trip if a spacecraft stays within five degrees of its trajectory. Precise timing is crucial for this mission, which would require departure on April 20 and arrival on May 23, 2031.
Read at Mail Online
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