[Trod Upon]

Seems like all we’ve gotten from manned spaceflight is:
1) Bragging rights.
2) Some footprints on the moon.
3) A bunch of dead astronauts.

Can’t we do more with mechanization, without all the life support costs? I’m not sure we’ll develop much more in the way of life support technology than we would through submarine programs anyway.

[buccaneer81]

Man was meant to explore. There are going to have to be colonies somewhere if humanity is to survive, and thrive. I'm sure ancient man, after floating across huge lakes and rivers on primitive rafts and watching some of his people drown in the process, wondered if it was worth it to keep going.

I won't even get into the technological benefits we enjoy due to their initial R&D for manned flight. You've directly benefited from man being in space, believe me.