> the society's founder and president, Robert Zurbin, has created Mars Direct,
Argh. I see spots before my eyes every time I read something like this. Zubrin didn't create Mars Direct; he was merely one - rather disliked - member of a team of a dozen or more at Martin Marietta that created Mars Direct back in the early 90's. What Zubrin *did* do was promote it... and himself.
Shouldn't that be "Martian Marietta"?
And perhaps is their CEO's first name Marvin?
Hmmmm...interesting sidenote. Didn't know that about supposive Mars Direct guy.
Still, the dream of sending a man on Mars (and no matter what plan, I assume Mr. Zubrin will support it), especially since it is NASA's new goal, that dream might become reality within my lifetime. Can't wait to see it.