Humans to Mars: Logical Step or Dangerous Distraction?

This paper examines post-Apollo proposals for human exploration of Mars and assesses their failure to win enduring political and public support. There are lessons to be learned that are applicable to current exploration efforts. Foremost among these is that the path to solar system exploration that has dominated the space community’s thinking since the 1950s may not be a logical or politically feasible approach for the 21 st century. The paper proposes that human exploration of the Moon and Mars should be decoupled and treated as separate ventures with each justified by its own merits and pursued at its own pace.