If we can assume sometime people will visit Mars, surely the more
money available to make it a successful trip the better.
If additional funds can be made available by making it a game show
with product placements, advertising etc. we have increased the
survival chances of the people involved. If national prestige is on
the line as well like in the "Space Race to the Moon" inthe 60's you
will then have a large amount of available resources.
Keep the public involved and they will not mind paying for it.