How are we going to learn how to do what you propose without keeping humans in space?
Why would anyone have to go into space? Issac Newton and Albert Einstein were never in space. The most important thing we have learned from humans in space is how hard it is on humans to be in space. We need basic breakthroughs in physics if we want to explore the universe in person. We should putting more money in that and less in publicity stunts for middle school science classes. By we I mean the government, of course. If Elon Musk wants to bankroll a trip, then God bless him. I hope they make it and don’t come back invalids.
There's nothing that can be done in space that can't be done cheaper, faster and easier right here on Earth.
As far as exploration, unmanned probes are showing that they work just fine.