Hi Questor!!
Based on the evidence of the Moon landings and the specualtion about *when* we'd establish colonies on that, I guess it will be a very long time
unfortunately
Because of the "Cold War" there was a "genuine" race-for-space during the 60's (I was alive then and followed it avidly!) but political will -
and consumer apathy - led to a reduction in Apollo flights - afterall, if the "mission" was to get a "man on the Moon" by the end of the decade ie
1970, then *why* continue to go back again and again (I realise this is a gross simplification but I hope you see I don't want to go off the
thread?)
So, whilst we can applaud Spirit's success (and lick our wounds about Beagle 2) the whole question about "going to Mars" might *never* happen
UNLESS there is a political need, fired by the publics clamour, to do so.
I doubt it will happen in my lifetime (probably limited to around 2030, when I'll be 80 years old). Please ask again around 2050 Questor and others
will join in with the debate I'm sure!!