[GonzoGOP]

I would guess that the first manned mission to Mars would be a simple flyby like they did during Gemini and the early Apollo missions.

That would actually be harder than the landing. On a free return orbit you have to wait at Mars for around a year. Waiting in orbit is harder than waiting on the surface where you can use local resources for air and fuel.

[rarestia]

Oh wow, I didn’t know that. I suppose with the closer proximity of the moon, we never really felt too far away from home.

Yeah, if they had to circle Mars for a year, I’d guess it’d make more sense for them to land and setup camp.

Would I be correct to assume that the return would have to be while Mars is in approach with Earth? How often do Earth and Mars pass each other in orbit? Once a year?