You're right.
I suppose it has to do with a first exploration of the planet wich can hardly be different then what they show( Cept for new lightweight material everything is the same). Unless a new engine is build( Nuclear uranium core using liquid hydrogen as fuel or a microfusion engine. Then may be 3 month to go there will be enough.) i dont see any other way to do a first visit. We as human are still using poor chemical reaction.
FieryIce, i too would also like to see new development in space engine.
A city can be built on the moon from the earth without sending any human just by using remote control tool send ovethere (2 seconds delay communication is easily feasible). Once the city is built then you send human. Mars is too far for that (Many minutes).
So, an advance space engine is needed or the protocole to go there (planet Mars) will stay the same.
Till then we are stuck with the old way of doing it.
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)