Well, I think that we should send humans to Mars at some point but with our current budget situation it isn't very practical. Also I think that this is just a ploy by the Bush administration to try to get more votes in the up coming election.
As for the heaven issue it wouldn't think it would be a problem for creationist. I mean we know heaven isn't floating around in the clouds and we are pretty sure that it isn't some where in our solar system so I don't see why going into space should be any big deal.