Mathematicians may have found an easier way to get to Mars

Getting to Mars is never going to be cheap. But a couple of mathematicians have figured out how to shave some significant bucks off the price tag. Rather than fly to the red planet when it’s orbit brings it closest, the craft will “meet” it on the way. The strategy is called ballistic capture and involves launching the ship into a Mars-like orbit, but moving slower than than the planet itself.