PICS: Human colony on Mars by 2023

"The first footprint on Mars and lives of the crew thereon will captivate and inspire generations; it is this public interest that will help finance this human mission to Mars," she said. The mission plan consists of cargo missions and unmanned preparation of a habitable settlement, followed by human landings. "In the coming years, a demonstration mission, communication satellites, two rovers and several cargo missions will be sent to Mars. These missions will set up the outpost where the human crew will live and work," Dogra said.