Does anyone also think it is our destiny to populate the stars?
I don't know if it is our destiny. I do know it is a good idea - any earthbound species is one asteroid / comet strike away from extinction. (BTW, I'd start on populating the Solar System first.)
No, I do not. The aliens will learn how to fold space before we do. When their star destroyers arrive, they will unleash a massive artillery preparation from space against us. It will saturate every square foot of the Earth's surface with explosives and radiation.
First answer is yes if we can, we will.
There will be 2 different types of planetary explorers
The first will be economic. Once governments pave the way for colonies and the necessary technology begins to fall within the range of corporations, they will proceed to exploit the resources of other planets for profit. It is a natural step.
The other will be religious zealots unable to live probably in the United States as a result of the manner in whichthe country changes as the population grows.
Much like the Pilgrims they will put their fate in the hands of God in search of a promised land.
My guess is that this will happen on several occassions with some failures and some successes. They will then proceed to build societies as flawed as the ones from which they came.