re: To Boldly Go...
Like nuclear weapons, it would take only one mistake to kill millions so due caution is important. Especially as there is really nothing really on Mars for us to justify rushing sending humans immediately.
Best to go slow and do it right like the researchers want to do to protect both Mars and Earth. Look at all the damage done to ecosystems here from foreign species being introduced. Its not like we are racing anyone there like in Apollo. Wouldn't it be a shame if we made the Martian Chronicles come true and actually wiped out the last martians, even if they are bacteria...