what?

first u must have the engine, then u figure out where to build the car. no point having a factory when u dont even have an engine.

so u're saying that even if u dont have the engine, we should figure out how to get a non-existing object on the highway first?

by the way, u're talking about a problem that already has a solution. that's what the multi-staged thrusters are for. it's just not as efficient as ion engine, but it still solves the problem.

china is surpassing the USA in the current space race. they're more than able to land humans on the moon, as well as sending the first manned trip to mars. japan, korea and ESA is close behind them. india and pakistan is also ready to join the race.

so NASA might not be able. but others still can.

it doesnt matter if 39day is possible or not TODAY. that's not the issue. when humans first discovered flight, they didnt stop knowing that they would never break the sound barrier until 50 years later, right?