The naysayers of manned space exploration are most likely descended from those who in 1867 screamed bloody murder over the $7.2 million dollar purchase of Alaska.
Exploration is one of the most fundamental and historical roles of government. The tactical and financial gains are the reasons.
Columbus sought a shortcut to Asia for trade. Hudson sought a marine passage to the Pacific for trade. Lewis and Clark sought a passage to the pacific for trade. We could throw in a few more names like Balboa and Magellan as well.
Obviously there is no one to trade with in space but there is vast mineral wealth not to mention the technological advances that come from getting there.
“The naysayers of manned space exploration are most likely descended from those who in 1867 screamed bloody murder over the $7.2 million dollar purchase of Alaska.”
and the Louisiana Purchase before that, not to mention shaking fists at Columbus for wasting the Queen’s money in 1492.