Only NASA , the former Soviet Union and Europeans have succeeded with Mars probes . India 's probe will explore the planet 's surface water , minerals and life . But private companies are also proposing trips to the Red Planet -- and some of them are only one-way . ISRO chairman K Jain says one of the biggest technological challenges is just getting there . NASA is due to launch its MAVEN probe to Mars later in November .
Only NASA , the former Soviet Union and Europeans have succeeded with Mars probes . India 's probe will explore the planet 's surface water , minerals and life . ISRO chairman K Jain says one of the biggest technological challenges is just getting there . NASA is due to launch its MAVEN probe to Mars later in November .