<p>A tycoon and space experts have announced an audacious plan to send a married couple around Mars in 2018.<br /><br /></p>.<p>They wouldn't land on the planet, just pass by and return. The mission announced today would last more than 16 months.<br /><br />Team member Taber MacCallum compares it to the Lewis and Clark expedition that explored the western US two centuries ago.<br /><br />The nonprofit "Inspiration Mars" will get initial money from multimillionaire Dennis Tito, the first space tourist. Outsiders put the price tag at more than USD 1 billion.<br />The US space agency, NASA, isn't involved in the project. The mission would entail minimal clothing, food and water.<br /><br />MacCallum said the couple would use a private rocket and capsule.</p>
<p>A tycoon and space experts have announced an audacious plan to send a married couple around Mars in 2018.<br /><br /></p>.<p>They wouldn't land on the planet, just pass by and return. The mission announced today would last more than 16 months.<br /><br />Team member Taber MacCallum compares it to the Lewis and Clark expedition that explored the western US two centuries ago.<br /><br />The nonprofit "Inspiration Mars" will get initial money from multimillionaire Dennis Tito, the first space tourist. Outsiders put the price tag at more than USD 1 billion.<br />The US space agency, NASA, isn't involved in the project. The mission would entail minimal clothing, food and water.<br /><br />MacCallum said the couple would use a private rocket and capsule.</p>