Following CEO Elon Musk's plan to conquer the Red planet, the race to land the first human-led expedition is on. The competition has gone global as Russia, China and Japan express their intention to land the first man on Mars.

Along the way, the SpaceX CEO may have hit a nerve when Boeing head Dennis Muilenburg reacted that the first individual to step on the planet will be riding on his company's rocket. Boeing's role in the development of the largest space vehicle that is the Saturn V craft strongly echoes Muilenburg's statement.

While the number of parties interested in exploring the fourth planet from the sun continues to increase, it cannot be denied that NASA has the edge in landing that coveted price. After all, being the prime space organization in the US, and to a certain extent, across the world, is something to capitalize upon. However, with the SpaceX group keen in asserting its claim on snaring Mars, NASA may have to give in to Musk's ambitions.

Just recently, the billionaire entrepreneur shares his plan to inhabit the red planet during the International Aeronautical Congress in Mexico. His speech, 'Making Humans a Multiplanetary Species,' unveils the capabilities of his Interplanetary Transport System (ITS) program. Musk's presence in Guadalajara is more than just publicity. Considering that he has depended on low-cost and reliable alternatives for his space program, the CEO is out there seeking a substantial financial partner.

If things go accordingly, an unmanned mission will be launched by SpaceX to Mars in 2018. By 2024, the first human crew will explore the planet with a projected arrival in 2025. Should all of Musk's plans materialize, SpaceX will be exalted in the annals of history.

At the moment, there is no indication that NASA is hot on the heels of SpaceX. The agency's 'Journey to Mars' blueprint has not really made a splash. Considering that the space administration is tied to government regulations and directives, the bureaucracy and the budget are possible factors that slowed down NASA's operations over the years.

The space agency's Authorization Act of 2010 and the US National Space Policy have outlined NASA's objectives. It has targeted 2030 as the year that the first man will land on Mars. It has also anticipated that by 2025, humans will reach an asteroid.

However, based on current developments, SpaceX's accessibility to NASA facilities indicates enough leeway for the private space company to pursue its plans. Although the space administration may be yielding the Mars exploration at the moment, NASA will still be benefiting from Elon Musk's ambitions judging from the fact that the agency has access to data used by SpaceX during the expedition process.

@ 2018 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.