Abstract: Human Mars exploration has significant values in terms of exploring extraterrestrial life, interplanetary immigration, promoting science and technology development, and the progress of human society. This paper summarizes the research progress on human Mars exploration and the corresponding proposed space transportation systems in the world, and analyzes the development trends. A preliminary scheme including the human Mars exploration mission architecture and corresponding space transportation system is then proposed, and the related key technologies are identified. The results can be a reference for future further research.

Key words: human Mars exploration, space transportation system, research progress, preliminary scheme