Thank you GB
You state exactly the right point. Develop a mission Mars by developing the experience and technologies on ISS and on the moon. It WILL be cheaper and quicker in the long run than attempting the full monte in one fell swoop.
An excursion to Mars is now walk on the moon. It is incredibly more difficult and substantially more costly and exceedingly more risky. We will eventually get there, but lets not underestimate just how dangerous it is.
By the way....good to see you once again.
Don Krupp