Here are phase 2 and 3 in NASA’s plan:

Phase two is called Proving Ground. “NASA will learn to conduct complex operations in a deep space environment that allows crews to return to Earth in a matter of days,” says the official document.

Then there’s phase three, or Earth Independent – the name gives away what the idea is here. It includes manned missions to the Martian moons and eventually the Martian surface, and once we’ve set foot on the Red Planet tests and experiments can begin to figure out how best to establish life. By this stage, missions will need to be self-sustaining, with minimal reliance on people back home.

How far away do you think this would be?  Or perhaps you have some ideas on additional phases?

Feel free to comment with your thoughts.

thanks to sciencealert.com for the great info

thanks to NASA for the pic