I love the idea of this. Considering we already have the majority of the technology for this, wouldn't it be possible to realize this through some sort of crowdfunding? Let's say you sell 100-1000 tickets at a price of 5-10million per ticket, both to individuals and governments for research purposes. For that, they can get their flight plus some basic accommodation and supplies once they get there.
I'm just thinking out loud here. Let's say we focus on the minimal requirements to sustain a colony on Mars. We could use robotics to build/establish a first base. After this, we could send some people there with additional supplies to continue building the colony. Once the initial constructions are made, and we would be self sufficient in basic stuff such as food etc the ticket price could be lowered and more people could get the chance to move there.
Then, after 20-30 years the possibility of returning to earth might also be there.
I'm just thinking out loud here. Let's say we focus on the minimal requirements to sustain a colony on Mars. We could use robotics to build/establish a first base. After this, we could send some people there with additional supplies to continue building the colony. Once the initial constructions are made, and we would be self sufficient in basic stuff such as food etc the ticket price could be lowered and more people could get the chance to move there.
Then, after 20-30 years the possibility of returning to earth might also be there.