The speed doesn't tell us the whole story. If a chemical rocket can only practically carry enough fuel to burn a couple times on a one-way trip to Mars, while t

The speed doesn't tell us the whole story. If a chemical rocket can only practically carry enough fuel to burn a couple times on a one-way trip to Mars, while this has fuel to burn for maneuvers and a return journey, then it is a big advancement. We weren't given enough info, so it's a bit early to discount it as worthless.