An issue that needs to be solved is the storage of electricity, as sunlight is available only during the day. Although it is not addressed in the article, the issue stays. One proven technology is hydroelectric storage using dams in the Atlas or in continental Europe. But the capacity is not high enough. But in any way, the Desertec is definitely a alternative to fossil fuels.

It will wipe then all of malware from the start on.
M$, please make it perfect with a mandatory harddisk format at install time.

That could be taken care of. Or at least the result of the transit to mars would show what a manned mission should take care of in terms of protection.

It is also a testbed for the vasimr propulsion.

Of course I would send it empty to orbit mars. It would be a first base for arriving mars expeditions. Would do you think about that?