Multiple missions will explore Mars, new telescopes will begin observations and plans are underway to return humans to the moon by 2024. While the pandemic will likely delay the launch and progress of some missions, others remain on track, especially those already in space. Exploring Mars in new waysIt's true that 2020 was the year of multiple missions launching to Mars -- China's Tianwen-1 , the United Arab Emirates' Hope Probe and NASA's Perseverance rover -- and 2021 will likely be the year of new discoveries on Mars. The Hope Probe will go into orbit around Mars, marking the first time the UAE has orbited the red planet. Exploring exoplanetsThe much-anticipated James Webb Space Telescope , slated for launch in October, will be NASA's next great space observatory.

Source: CNN January 03, 2021 09:00 UTC