Much as we would love to fantasize about such a journey, the cost would be prohibitive if we use our present technology to launch a manned mission to Mars any time in the next two decades or so. I find it hard to believe some of our leaders have proposed such an expensive project when we need the money here on earth. (I’m sure that they are having second thoughts with the current economic situation). Until such a time comes, if at all, when we can get a handle on the situation down here, and new technology permits significantly easier space travel, we should wait.