Look what aviation did in 50 years. From the Wright Bros to the SR-71. And we know a lot more stuff now.
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Except now we are into a period of massive failure of political will when in comes to manned space exploration - a period which began in 1964, with partial and lame exception of the Apollo years 1969-1972.
Perhaps Musk can break us out of it, but I would not hold your breath, especially if the Dems retake control of the government in a few years.