Artist's concept of possible exploration programs.) Earth's Moon, just 3 days away, is a good place to test hardware and operations for a human mission to Mars. A simulated mission, including the landing of an adapted Mars excursion vehicle, could test many relevant Mars systems and technologies. Artwork done for NASA by Pat Rawlings, of SAIC. (NASA Media Archives). Buy this as a superb wall poster, a canvas print or a framed print.