The Mars Exploration Program (
MEP) is a long-term effort
to explore the planet Mars, funded and led by the U.S. space agency,
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Formed in 1993, MEP has made use of orbital
spacecraft,
landers, and
Mars rovers to explore the possibilities of
life on Mars, as well as the planet's
climate and
natural resources. The program is managed by NASA's
Science Mission Directorate by
Doug McCuistion of the Planetary Science Division. As a result of 40 uts to NASA's budget for fiscal year 2013, the
Mars Program Planning Group (MPPG) was formed to help reformulate the MEP, bringing together leaders of NASA's technology, science, human operations, and science missions.