A lengthy National Research Council (NRC) report into the US Human Space Flight program cited the need for a “Pathway” approach to NASA’s exploration ambitions, stepping stones that would result in the ultimate goal of landing humans on the surface of Mars. The 285 page report, released on Wednesday, provided a refined view of NASA’s current roadmap, claiming international cooperation – including an alliance with the Chinese – and the potential use of the Moon as a proving ground, is required to achieve the “Horizon Goal”.
