Quote - [...] we will definitely need to rely on technology that still needs to be developed.

Not to mention psychology. The best estimates I've seen is that the there-and-back-plus-exploration time couldn't be less than about 18 months, given the orbits of our two planets and what is known today about rocket engines. Even allowing for being able to use all of the surface area while in low gravity, the mission vehicle to Mars probably won't be much bigger than the size of a one bedroom apartment.

Can you imagine spending 18 months in a one bedroom apartment with five of your co-workers without ever being able to get away?

Could get mighty interesting, I tell ya.

:biggrin: