I'd like to point out that Oberg is applying the same kind of compare the cost to Appollo approach I've been trying to get Larry to apply when he poo poos Mars mission cost estimates. Oberg makes many of the points I've been trying to make about a Mars program. Hopefully clearer.

On the other hand he does cut into my concerns about a moon base. Based on his analysis we should be able to afford both a lunar base and a mission to Mars. My biggest concern by far that we were looking at another 90 day plan cost amount which would doom the whole plan. When you break it down like he does and see that the Mars portion should drop drastically using more recent plans the whole thing looks doable.

I still think straight to Mars with Moon flights only as required to test Mars equipment is the best approach and will continue to discuss why, but I'll drop the doom and gloom outlook on the current plan. Too busy to do the detailed summary of arguments to date for another week or so. I think I finally figured out what the pie in the sky magic bullet Larry is fixated on is.

Regards,
Mark