Ed Wrote: Only 2 more years of this manned Mars nonsense to go, then Bush is out, and Griffin goes as well. Scrap CLV then, keep the Ares 5 - for long range intercept, if not larger geosynch comsats - switch over to Falcon 5 -

Of course, by then enough data should be back from Mars to end the ravings of the manned Mars "enthusiasts", and bring an effective end to their political power - while impact studies will have firmed up awareness of the impact threat, and SW3 and Apophis will be coming along...



Chris writes: Want to bet this "manned Mars nonsesnse" will out last you and Bush, Ed? And that the Moon will be pushed aside as the goal when Bush is gone.

You have been claiming a lowered interest in Mars with every picture or piece of data. Yet the level of interest remains pretty stable. BTW, whatever happened to the Senate and House bills on Asteroid hunting ...Ed?