Based on the Mars Semi-Direct scenario, NASA’s plan called for five consecutive manned missions over the next ten years. Because the orbits of Earth and Mars are so different, the five missions would consist of different travel times between launch and landing. The first manned mission will launch on May 11, 2018 to take advantage of the perigee, or closest alignment between the planets, for the shortest travel time of six months each way. As the perigee distance changes every two years due to Mars’ elliptical orbit of the sun, travel times vary on a fifteen – seventeen year cycle, optimizing again around 2030.
Using economic models of industry, The Sponsors estimated that all five missions could be completed for less than $10 billion. In exchange for their support, The Sponsors would be awarded all patent rights to products developed specifically for the missions, gleaning a 15% return from sales. They would also be granted mineral rights to any and all discoveries on Mars. The Sponsors expect to recover their investment before the fifth mission. The best way to predict the future is to invent it. – Alan C. Kay