Funding a crewed mission to Mars will spur innovation here on Earth and give our economy a much needed boost. Like the past Moon missions, such a mission will also captivate the nation and fuel education in the critical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
We already have a plan, Mars Direct by Robert Zubrin, that can use current technology. Utilizing Apollo-era rocketry, the crews would reach Mars in only six months and perform a live-off-the-land approach to reduce costs and increase safety. From the start of funding, this could be achieved within ten years.
Humans can explore and study more efficiently than robotic missions ever will. Designate federal funding for Mars Direct as soon as possible to inspire the nation and drive technological development