[from occupied ga]

We should have people standing on that planet by now.

Why? And who pays?

[kinoxi]

Why? And who pays?

The technology is already there. We are in space. Our information exchange (personal, geographical, weather related, etc.) is largely based there. The mission is already being planned BTW so it's a bit late to ask who pays I think.
We need to be there so that people like the chicoms don't claim the darn planet first off. Secondly we need to develop better techniques and technologies for space related travel because, we are already there. This has historically proven to come back immeasurably in economic and security terms. Thirdly, I think we just should. Expand, explore, learn that is. :)