I think this article covers some of the background better than I could ever explain: http://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2015-elon-musk-spacex/ http://www.bloomb

I think this article covers some of the background better than I could ever explain: http://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2015-elon-musk-spacex/ http://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2015-elon-musk-spacex/ -- Musk is insane (in a good way) -- As SpaceX builds the tech to DO it, they don't have to be the ones to FUND it. If Musk says "yes we can" and proves it, and the private sector starts dumping money in it, the governments of the world are going to quickly get involved. You don't think russia and the US are going to throw cash at musk so they can jump off the ladder and be the first down together? -- "then come back to earth" is a pretty big leap. I suspect that there are going to be a LOT of one way trips. -- Nasa has planed this to DEATH. But nasa is bad at controlling costs. I suspect that spaceX can pick the number, find the money, and get the job done. In total I don't think SpaceX will foot the bill, but they dam sure will build most of the systems if musk has his way.