[Analyzing Inconsistencies]

Dr. Robert Zubrin thinks genuine space entrepreneurs could get us to Mars 3 times more cheaply than the government could. If an $8 billion dollar Mars prize were offered, or even a $3 billion one, I bet there'd be at least 2 takers: Bob Zubrin's crew (perhaps backed by Paul Allen) and a competing team backed by Elon Musk and peers.

There are those who say that if a reform is not absolutely perfect or predictable, then it's better to remain with the mediocre status quo. I'm not a member of that camp.

[DugwayDuke]

Now, where would either of these groups get financing for such a venture? I'll "bet" no one with that kind of money would touch that kind of "investment".

Whether this prize thing would work would ultimately come down to a source of funding. Now, name a credible source of several billion dollars on such a gamble.