Science
In reply to the discussion: This message was self-deleted by its author [View all]Orsino
(37,428 posts)...or is canceled, or is replaced. The earliest LEM designs didn't look a lot like what actually went to the moon, either. There was supposed to have been an Apollo 18. Gemini missions didn't launch on Saturn Vs. Plans change.
No, a Republican Congress isn't going to approve any expenditures that aren't corporate welfare, or that aren't also corporate welfare. If the goal of the designers is Mars, however, what we're seeing so far looks sensible. What turns out to be best for particular roles in a landing (after we know more about the target) or later landings may look a little--or a lot--different.
John Boehner's golfing buddy's brother-in-law's aerospace business will no doubt be a consideration, but that has no bearing on whether or not a crewed Mars mission should be attempted.