The race to Mars is a tie

2035: Global Space Race Intensifies
* 2025-2030: The United States and China intensify their efforts in space exploration, with a renewed focus on Mars. Both nations invest heavily in research, development, and international collaborations to advance their space programs.
* 2031: Simultaneous Announcements
** In a surprising turn of events, both the United States and China independently announce plans for manned missions to Mars. The announcements catch the world off guard, and the global space race takes on a new level of competition.
* 2032-2034: Rapid Advancements
** Both countries make rapid advancements in space technology, overcoming technical challenges and pushing the boundaries of human space exploration. The competition fosters innovation, with breakthroughs in propulsion systems, life support technologies, and sustainable habitats.
* 2035: Dual Launches
** The highly anticipated day arrives. Both the United States and China successfully launch their respective manned missions to Mars. The world watches as the two spacecraft make their journey to the Red Planet simultaneously.
* 2036: Mars Landings
** In a historic moment, the United States and China's astronauts land on Mars within days of each other. The world witnesses a shared achievement in human space exploration, symbolizing the peaceful coexistence of nations despite geopolitical differences.
* 2037-2040: Joint Scientific Collaboration
** Following the historic Mars landings, the United States and China decide to set aside their differences and collaborate on scientific research and exploration on Mars. International space agencies, universities, and research institutions join forces to maximize the potential for discovery and innovation.
* 2041: International Space Station 2.0
** Inspired by the successful collaboration on Mars, the nations involved decide to build a new and improved International Space Station (ISS 2.0). The space station becomes a symbol of unity and international cooperation, fostering scientific advancements and space exploration on a global scale.
* 2045: Global Efforts for Sustainable Space Exploration
** The success of joint missions to Mars prompts a shift in global priorities. Nations collaborate to establish sustainable practices for space exploration, focusing on minimizing environmental impact and promoting responsible resource utilization.
* 2050: Beyond Mars
** With the lessons learned from the collaborative Mars missions, nations continue to explore the cosmos together. The Moon, asteroids, and outer planets become the next frontiers for international space exploration, with humanity united in its quest for knowledge and discovery.