[lbryce]

What you're saying about the distance between Earth and Mars is a misnomer of egregious misrepresentation. The close proximity of Earth and Mars is decidedly not an annual event. The orbits of Earth and Mars, and the relative speeds in which each orbit the sun in relation to each other makes close proximity between the planets an occurrence separated by years even decades.
Distance from Earth to Mars

[cripplecreek]

So basically you’re talking about catching both planets when their orbital velocities are at their optimum for speedy transit. I was looking at proximity alone.

I guess if I were a billionaire with an interest in space I would either get on board with asteroid mining or look into building a base on the moon. Faster more efficient propulsion systems are also a good thing to put money into.

I’m all for going to mars but believe that if you can live on the moon, you will prove the ability to live on mars. The moon is a far harsher environment to live in than Mars. Mars isn’t a hard vacuum, the temperature variations aren’t as extreme, and the planet does offer at least some radiation protection. On the downside, Mars is a long way away and its a lot harder to get off the surface once you’re there. I actually think the Russians are on the right track in concentrating on the Martian moons.