Here’s Why NASA Wants You to Explore Mars

Calling all farmers, teachers, scientists, technicians and surveyors.

By Rhonda FanningJune 21, 2016 9:56 am,

You’ve seen the iconic recruitment poster created for the U.S. Army: Uncle Sam in his white top hat, bedecked with a blue banner of stars. “I want YOU for the U.S. Army,” it said. It was part of a series of as in a similar style that called the American people to action.

Now there’s a new set of posters using those iconic images to peak Americans’ interests. But it’s not the army this time – it’s NASA.

NASA released a series of the retro-style posters calling for teachers, scientists, farmers and explorers. It’s not for another moon mission, this time NASA has its sights set on a mysterious red planet. NASA’s new Journey to Mars campaign plans to have people on the planet by the 2030s. And, like the posters say, they want you.

Ashley Edwards, the campaign’s co-chair,  says she definitely recognized the “cool factor” of the retro ad campaign look.

“The idea stems really from our desire for the general public – especially our students and our kids – (to) get excited about the future of space exploration,” she says, “and really start seeing themselves as a part of the ‘Mars generation.'”

What you’ll hear in this segment:

– The possibility of Americans on Mars by the 2030s

– How the posters promote STEM

– How we’ll solve the challenges of going to Mars