In addition to pure science, what dual purpose do current robotic missions to Mars serve regarding NASA's long-term goals?

Answer

Reconnaissance for sending humans beyond the Moon.

The robotic missions serve the purpose of scouting, gathering essential data on dust storms, radiation, and subsurface ice that directly informs the engineering requirements for human arrival.

In addition to pure science, what dual purpose do current robotic missions to Mars serve regarding NASA's long-term goals?

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Incredible NASA Missions To Mercury, Saturn & Jupiter - YouTube

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