In 1990, Dr. Robert Zubrin began work on developing a mission to Mars that could use modern technology at a fraction of the estimated cost previously proposed by NASA for a manned flight to Mars; the mission became known as "Mars Direct". After receiving negative criticism over mission logistics from engineers at both NASA and Lockheed Martin, Zubrin and his colleagues adapted the original plan to fit the specifications set by the critics of the original mission. The new mission was rightfully deemed "Mars Semi-Direct", and was referenced by NASA as the Design Reference Mission. The proposed mission had a $50 Billion dollar funding requirement that was initially accepted by members of Senate but eventually turned down by NASA and their affiliates.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDWvsdEYSqg
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