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K: I generally agree. But, robotic missions are only as reliable as the algorithms a committee(!) has created. Granted, the Mars rovers are fed new computer programs, being either improvements/modifications of a mishap or two, thus facilitating their further exploration of that planet.
Without the intuitive and lateral thinking of a homo sapiens, many a mission would not have been concluded safely. (--> Apollo's first landing on the Moon and the false computer error; Apollo 13's amazing "recovery" from potential disaster.) Then, for robots, fed incorrect algorithms or, worse, differing units of measure, they continue blissfully into oblivion via crash-landing or disappearing into deep space.
Any manned venture beyond Earth's comfort zone will be a reality, sooner or later. No matter the technical and physical challenges, planning for such missions are finally becoming more concrete.
Setbacks, as in the recent and distant past, will always accompany each of man's journeys to the planets. Part of his ability to learn from these and ceaseless curiosity of what lies beyond will ensure his departure from Earth.