[subtle piano music]
For the first time since the Apollo moon landings,
NASA is preparing to send astronauts beyond Earth orbit,
and this time, the mission is the most ambitious we have ever undertaken – 
The Journey to Mars.
[inspiring music]
Carrying out this journey will require bringing together the best of our efforts,
from robotic probes to technology development to astronauts in orbit
to robust new space vehicles.
The Journey is already underway, right here, right now!
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are learning more about 
living and working in space for long periods of time,
vital information for the challenging trip to Mars.
Transportation to and from the Station will be provided 
by our American Commercial Cargo and Crew partners.
Next, using the Orion crew vehicle and the powerful Space Launch System rocket,
NASA will move into the Proving Ground of space around and beyond the moon.
Here, we will carry out increasingly ambitious missions
to test out new systems and capabilities needed to reach Mars,
like deep-space habitats and advanced propulsion systems.
Even as we speak, our robotic scouts are already exploring the Red Planet,
preparing the way for astronauts to join them.
Once we have matured our capabilities in the Proving Ground,
we’ll be ready for Earth Independence – 
reaching our nearest planetary neighbor not just as temporary visitors,
but as pioneers, expanding human presence into our solar system.
[music crescendoes and fades]
