The Mars Technology Program (MTP) is part of the NASA Mars Exploration Program (MEP). The purpose of MTP is to develop technologies needed for future Mars missions, including Mars Scouts. The two principle program elements of MTP are the Focused Technology and the Base Technology Programs. The Focused Technology Program addresses technologies that are specific and critical to near-term missions, while the Base Technology Program addresses those technologies that are applicable for multiple missions and which can be characterized as longer term, higher risk, and high payoff technologies.