[nmridul]

Not everyone thinks of family, friends and pets .. Remember those initial explorers (Columbus, Magellan etc) who went to unknown oceans risking their life. May not be a good comparison, but when you compare the naval technology at that time and space technology now, seems its a comparable risk. And they had to fight other humans so risk to life was even high.

[andrewb]

Columbus made four voyages. This is a one way trip.

For most part, they were also unaware if their future was going to be better or worse, so there in offered great reward.

From my perspective, yes studying the Mars environment would be interesting but not worth leaving everything behind. If however there were life forms on Mars or something "better" than what's available on Earth, then it might be an interesting prospect.