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Science & Technology
Mars and back in just 153 days! Scientists have found a SHORTCUT that could dramatically cut the time it takes to reach the Red Planet
2026-05-01
[Daily Mail, where America gets its news] As one of the only other places we know where life may have existed in the solar system, Mars has been described as NASA's 'horizon goal for human exploration'.

However, getting humans there is no mean feat.

With current technology, a one–way trip to Mars would take roughly nine months, covering a distance of around 140 million miles.

That means astronauts on a round–trip to the Red Planet could face up to three years away from home.

But that could soon change, thanks to a new study.

Scientists from the State University of Northern Rio de Janeiro have found a 'shortcut' to Mars.

And it could shave hundreds of days off a return trip to the Red Planet.

They've identified a brief window in which astronauts could get to and from Mars in just 153 days – but there's not long to prepare for it.

For missions to Mars, space agencies must factor in a phenomenon known as Mars opposition.

Occurring roughly every 26 months, this happens when Earth passes directly between the sun and Mars.

During the rare alignment, the two planets are on the same side of the sun – bringing Mars to its closest point to us.

In their new study, the team set out to understand whether any of the upcoming Mars oppositions – in 2027, 2029, and 2031 – could offer a shortcut to the Red Planet.
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