yep..as soon as the cost vs return maths work out, the world will change and fast. we are on the cusp of a change i think. we need the tech to remotely mine and return material at a price point that gives a return.
the new companies springing up will move space away from a govt run adventure to a profitable business. to be fair to the US government, the lack of funding to NASA has created these businesses. by dropping shuttles etc, they have created space for companies to thrive and push.
on the EM drive, at some point someone will build it and prove it works or doesnt. it seems kinda unbelievable to me but up until recently so was landing a rocket on a ship...
Our President has hinted obliquely at this several times.