I think the author is underestimating the psychology of astronauts. We often think of them as some kind of scientist or explorer but in fact they are an elite military force, made up of the sort of men that we would expect to fly dangerously unpredictable test aircraft.
Anyone being sent into space is well aware that they have about a one-in-twenty chance of not coming back. They are selected and trained on the understanding that if they become unwell in space, they could jeopardise the lives of their fellow crewmen.
Repatriation of remains is an unaffordable luxury in space and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. No-one with the constitution to be an astronaut would allow their own death to hamper a mission.
Anyone being sent into space is well aware that they have about a one-in-twenty chance of not coming back. They are selected and trained on the understanding that if they become unwell in space, they could jeopardise the lives of their fellow crewmen.
Repatriation of remains is an unaffordable luxury in space and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. No-one with the constitution to be an astronaut would allow their own death to hamper a mission.
As to whether Mars is worth dying for - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/390933.stm