NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration program

NASA's plan, proposed in 2015, consists of three phases: Earth Reliant, Proving Grounds, and Earth Independent. The Earth Reliant phase involves using the ISS to research deep space technologies and develop the Orion spacecraft and SLS. The Proving Grounds phase focuses on building infrastructure in cislunar space, including the Lunar Gateway, to prepare for deep space operations. The Earth Independent phase aims to conduct missions to Mars and its moons, potentially using the Lunar Gateway and Deep Space Transport. The plan includes building a station in Mars' orbit, like the proposed Mars Base Camp, to facilitate crewed missions to the Martian surface.

How will the Lunar Gateway support astronauts traveling to the lunar surface?

What is the significance of the Earth Independent phase in NASA's exploration plan?