The NASA administration has declared that the political situation will not affect the mission.

      When answering to journalists' questions, the director of NASA Charles Bolden called the flight to the Mars an international project. He confirmed that the organization plans to implement it in the mid 2030s. In the course of preparation the space department of the USA is ready to collaborate with similar organizations of other countries, including Russia, despite the complicated political background.

      "Even in the periods of hightened diplomatic strain in the relations of our countries we successfully carried out peaceful cooperation with Russian colleagues at the International Space Station. And now, when so many countries participate in cooperation  there is no room for that rivalry we had in the years of "cold war" — the head of NASA stated.

      Russia is also ready for cooperation. However, the authorities emphasize that they have not got an official proposal from the NASA yet.