If you watch NASA work, you realize this is their plan. They plod along, spending money until the program is cancelled. NASA has no intention of ever sending humans anywhere because every plan requires 20 or more years, guaranteeing that they can count on a democratic administration to cancel the whole thing after billions has been spent but well before they actually have to do anything that carries any real risk.
I saw where NASA is sending people and equipment to Devon Island for field tests.
And add a little red tint to a screen and it really does become ‘mars’.
Now that would be quite a scam but not out of the realm of possibility with the govt..