Red Flag on the Red Planet: China's Great Leap Marsward? (China's space program thrives)

People have speculated for well over a century about setting foot on Mars, but is it likely to happen? We know that in prehistoric times, numerous groups of hominids ventured out of Africa into unknown lands at least once. All eventually died out, except for one: our ancestors, homo sapiens. Countless lives would later be lost by descendants of these ancient migrants as they trekked through uncharted wilderness or set sail on vast oceans in flimsy wooden craft. Today, people die every year while driving racecars or climbing mountains. We seem to be hardwired for activities that involve risks beyond…