Washington:
A tycoon and space experts have announced an audacious plan to send a married couple around Mars in 2018.
They wouldn't land on the planet, just pass by and return.
The mission announced on Wednesday would last more than 16 months.
Team member Mr Taber MacCallum compares it to the Lewis and Clark expedition that explored the western United States two centuries ago.
The nonprofit "Inspiration Mars" will get initial money from multimillionaire Mr Dennis Tito, the first space tourist. Outsiders put the price tag at more than $1 billion.
The U.S. space agency, NASA, isn't involved in the project.
The mission would entail minimal clothing, food and water. Mr MacCallum said the couple would use a private rocket and capsule.
They wouldn't land on the planet, just pass by and return.
The mission announced on Wednesday would last more than 16 months.
Team member Mr Taber MacCallum compares it to the Lewis and Clark expedition that explored the western United States two centuries ago.
The nonprofit "Inspiration Mars" will get initial money from multimillionaire Mr Dennis Tito, the first space tourist. Outsiders put the price tag at more than $1 billion.
The U.S. space agency, NASA, isn't involved in the project.
The mission would entail minimal clothing, food and water. Mr MacCallum said the couple would use a private rocket and capsule.
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