Isn't it problematic to bring fuel or equipment to extract fuel from Martian sources? My understanding is it's ten times harder to get back than it is to go. I'd like to see them start a colony there with the only hope for a return trip if the technology makes it more affordable.

Maybe it's easier than I think. I've read about the Mars One project, and I think it's nonsense, but the idea itself is not at all nonsense.

We could get to Mars now. The question really is would any astronauts have enough bone mass left after the approximately 3 years it would take to do the return trip. If interested, I can put you in touch with people who have worked toward a manned (or womaned) trip to Mars.