A nuclear-powered rocket could reduce journey times to Mars to only two months.
Humans could get to Mars in just two months with a new rocket
NASA boffins are predicting that the pulsed plasma rocket (PPR) will launch "a whole new era in space exploration".
The rocket uses a fission-based nuclear power system to generate thrust akin to The USS Enterprise in the sci-fi series 'Star Trek'.
A spokesman for the space agency said: "The PPR enables a whole new era in space exploration.
"The system's high efficiency allows for manned missions to Mars to be completed within a mere two months."
It would take nine months to travel to the Red Planet using current technology but scientists think that the new rocket, which is being developed by the US company Howe Industries, is a lot more efficient than other methods of propulsion in space.
The rocket is also capable of carrying heavy loads and could provide protection from the dangers of being in orbit.