[ChemistCat]

Exploration is fine, but I see space technology as defensive, too. It's not just teflon. It's the need to stop the next dinosaur killer...before we're the next dinosaurs. It's the need to get humanity off one fragile rock and spread out a little so we can't lose everybody at once to one accident or mishap.

I guess I see the human species as being worth saving. It's been a better day than the ones I've tended to have, lately!

[Hunble]

I am not sure who got you so afraid of objects falling from space, but I have a very strong guess.

Ok, assume for a minute that an asteroid was heading directly toward Earth and we have the technology to alter it's orbit.

Which could do the job better? A generic manned mission, or a specialized remote operated vehicle (ROV)?

To address your concern of "stop the next dinosaur killer", I will give you a personal challenge.

For a $3,000 investment in equipment, you could also participate in the daily search for dangerous asteroids.

Instead of running around like a Chicken Little, help do something about it!

Further information can be obtained from this website:

http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/iau/mpc.html

Unlike a Liberal, do something about it and become a member of those who can and do make a difference.