Keith’s note: According to “NASA, in surprise shift, may launch rockets to Mars next year” in Politico: “We are evaluating every opportunity, including launch windows in 2026 and 2028, to test technologies that will land humans on Mars,” said NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens. The White House first hinted at the possibility last month in a press release after a meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Donald Trump. It indicated the U.S. and Italy would partner on a Mars mission as soon as next year. NASA employees who would usually know about such plans were not informed about the Mars effort prior to the White House meeting, according to a senior official, who was granted anonymity to speak about internal matters.”