[Rebel_Ace]

If it is just a flyby, then I fail to see any real value. Machines can gather more info from orbit than two people peering out the porthole while screaming by one time at 25000 miles per hour. I think the general population will not be impressed with a mission that cannot produce better photos than Curiosity can, and won't bring back samples.

Now, if this is a shakedown of an Earth-Mars vehicle that is left in Earth orbit after this mission, to be used on a future flight, we might be talkin'.

[TigersEye]

It’s a private venture. I don’t think they have to prove anything to anyone.