US President Donald Trump stated that his country could conduct a manned space flight to Mars "very soon" during a speech at the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in Washington.
"We will go to Mars very soon. I think we will conquer the Moon and go further. Then our direction will be Mars," Trump added.
Trump also highlighted the creation of the US Space Force during his first term, noting that despite initial mockery, it has become one of the most important initiatives, allowing the US to lead in space over China and Russia.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced in May that the agency plans to establish a permanent US settlement station on the Moon by 2032 and test technologies for a manned Mars mission, potentially by 2040.
