NASA warned humans won’t make it to Mars

The National Research Council warns NASA its current mission to Mars plan is doomed to failure.
 
"To continue on the present course... is to invite failure, disillusionment and the loss of the longstanding international perception that human spaceflight is something the United States does best," said the NRC's congressionally-mandated report.

Instead, it is recommended NASA use "stepping stones" like exploring an asteroid, building a moon outpost or building more international cooperation with countries like China first, though federal law bars NASA from participating in bilateral programs with China.

The report also said it is impossible for the United States to safely go to Mars with the current US space budget.

NASA responded by stating that the report's findings are in line with current Washington-approved plans. The agency hopes to launch a new spacecraft designed for future robotic and human expeditions by the end of this week.

"The horizon goal for human space exploration is Mars,” NASA said in a statement. “All long-range space programs, by all potential partners, for human space exploration converge on this goal.”