I think they'll die trying.
I assume the first few attempts will be un-manned. The other thing is that the landing module will have to double as a living space after landing unless they have some brilliant plans on how to build a base before humans even show up.
Yes, they have modules they'll send first. It's the 2 years in a radiation filled, gravity less environment that will be very difficult on the human body.
I was reading something the other day about attempting to build a space station out of multiple starship modules then having it auto-rotate to generate gravity. Seems like a interesting idea and when you want a new module you just add it or replace a existing one and land the old one back on earth for service.
Not related to the mars mission but still a interesting idea.
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