While we wait, why not throw around ideas for the next operation?
Notice the new signature?
I was thinking the
HLV Moon Base would make a good addition. To avoid multiple TMIs and window problems, a pile of them could be attached to the James Cook and deorbited. This would provide for a much longer operation with more missions for everyone (a bunch of launches, dockings, landings.)
At the end of that mission, there would then be two large interplanetary vessels in Martian orbit, so if one returned to Earth, there would still be an operational space-station and emergency return vehicle (I would vote for the Arrow to remain with its Deltaglider.) If we wanted to get complex, I would say the the Cook should be made into an
Aldrin Cycler, if that's possible, since it has many docking ports for modules, as well as area for a minimal crew to live comfortably.