I personally feel that the Devon Island Project was just fine. I think some useful human factors information was learned; a lot of favorable publicity for Mars exploration, manned and otherwise, was generated; and as far as I know, it was almost completely privately financed.

I don't understand the serious opposition some people have, unless it's related to the (understandable) irritation that they have with Zubrin--an abrasive personality on his best days (I should talk.) Do they think it detracts from other areas of research? I don't see how.

I think this whole series of projects is fascinating. I saw the analog manned Mars rover on the Stanford Campus during the Mars Society convention. And I understand they are going to put up more simulated Mars stations in different areas besides the Arctic (Iceland and Australia, I think.)

I hope they keep it going.