[Bernard]

Some of the evolution of space travel was predicted by Isaac Asimov in the original Foundation trilogy. Discovery and development comes in waves, led by different groups.

Our government, most of all, has become too bloated and self-protective to do anything useful. Real space exploration in the future will come from private enterprises and individuals. The major problem will come from government interference, regulations, and taxation on the efforts.

To build from the Asimov model, we have become Trantor.

[rlmorel]

That, FRiend, is an excellent analysis and analogy.