NASA has laid out it's plan for the next generation of Mars exploration. NASA wants to capture an asteroid near Mars atmosphere and bring it close to the moon, in order to run experiments, collect samples of the crater and test new technologies. In 2018, NASA hopes to test a new Space Launch System that will provide the road map to bring humans to and from Mars. In NASA own's words: "NASA’s powerful Space Launch System rocket will enable these “proving ground” missions to test new capabilities. Human missions to Mars will rely on Orion and an evolved version of SLS that will be the most powerful launch vehicle ever flown." Read more about NASA's grand plan and exploration news at:
http://www.nasa.gov/content/nasas-journey-to-mars/#.VQdEtY7F9i4
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/home/index.html#.VQdD3o7F9i4