We’ve observed with concern a rising trend in human spaceflight discussions: the suggestion that we bypass the moon and send humans directly to Mars. In light of this, we believe it is critical to identify and address the risks inherent in a “direct to Mars” approach. Equally important is articulating why a “moon first, then Mars” pathway offers a lower-risk, more strategic and deliberate trajectory, both from a human safety and overall mission success perspective.

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Erik Antonsen was Assistant Director of Human Health and Performance for Human System Risk Management at NASA Johnson Space Center and Element Scientist for Exploration Medical Capabilities for the Human Research Program.

Jennifer Rochlis was the Division Chief for Human Systems Engineering and Integration at NASA Johnson Space Center and has worked extensively in both the private and government sector, focusing on human integration with complex systems.

Bruce Jakosky is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and University of Washington, has almost 50 years’ experience as a Mars researcher, and was the Principal Investigator of the MAVEN spacecraft mission that has been orbiting...

G. Scott Hubbard has held key roles at NASA, including director of Ames Research Center, first Mars Program director, founder of NASA's Astrobiology Institute, and the agency’s sole member of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. Hubbard, now retired,...