What we need instead of Ares I is an upgraded Ares V design, maybe another RS-68 or two, to get the thing over the 150mT hump. Use it as the only launcher and go Mars Direct (but with better, upgradeable architecture), let COTS handle the LEO stuff or put Orion on top of an Atlas or Delta launcher to get to the ISS.
We need to develop the Moon and Mars in parallel, not series.
I agree.. We should have never stopped the Apollo program...
Or a new NERVA!
How about a new form of propulsion to get there faster? I saw a piece on NASA TV on former astronaut Franklin Chang-Diaz. He's working with a team to develop an ion propulsion system to be used on such a manned trip. As far as bone loss is concerned, the studies of long stay astronauts and cosmonauts would give a good indication. Cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev holds the record for total time on orbit at 800+ days. Him and Dr. Valery Polyakov are two prime subjects. Polyakov spent 14 straight months in orbit aboard Mir. He did it to find out the lasting effects of such prolonged weightlesness.
A better propulsion system would go a long way to help humans go a long way faster.