[newgeezer]

It's about time. Manned space exploration is best left to the private sector (and third-world countries feeling the need to prove something).

[RightWhale]

Manned space exploration is best left to the private sector

Private sector implies private property rights. Establish private property rights in outer space, then this will happen. Space will be developed mainly in the robotic mode. Humans in space will be a rarity now and forever.