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The real problem is there is not a purpose for even a single mission. The ISS is a money pit that should be splashed in the Pacific, and it would be cheaper to launch a whole new Hubble on an unmanned rocket, rather than send a Shuttle to repair it.

The only current purpose for numerous space missions would be tourism. Still, Shuttle missions are prestigious and they maintain our superior launching capability.

The real problem is there is not a purpose for even a single mission.

If you're talking about the incredible cost of lift these days, I would have to say you're not that far off with that comment.

Still, I do believe the status of our nation will be more closely tied to our ability to enter and inhabit space, than anyone realizes.

We need to cut the cost of delivering materials to space. We need to make access a common occurance.

Just like opening up the West, the United States needs to open up and inhabit space. Right now it won't make that much sense.

When we're able to enter space frequently, people will be amazed at how quickly space becomes a thriving industry.

The ISS is a money pit that should be splashed in the Pacific, and it would be cheaper to launch a whole new Hubble on an unmanned rocket, rather than send a Shuttle to repair it.

Did you know that the discovery that led to Pluto being downgraded from a planet, was facilitated using a ground based telescope? I've also seen some ground based photos that came close to the photos taken by the Hubble. Yes, the Hubble probably does a bit better for some things, but I'm not convinced it's the big deal we've been led to believe it is. I've been a supporter of the Hubble all along, but I have found myself questioning it's true value from time to time.

The only current purpose for numerous space missions would be tourism.

The single most impactful thing that will limit what value access to space will present to us, is the creativity of the people who are tasked with devising cutting edge short and long term goals or projects.

If we can have hotels up there, why not condos? If we're doing some research up there, why not support facilities? Why not cutting edge agriculture, crops, animal life, and water recycling?

IMO, there will be a need for zero gravity facilities, and facilities that have artificial gravity as well. People could work three days on, four days off, to avoid the ill effects of zero gravity.

A facility devised to provide artificual gravity by rotation, could have a core where near zero gravity would allow for transport craft to shuttle people to and from a zero gravity work facility.

I really do think we're on the verge of a new age here. If we aren't the masters of this, we will wind up being the underlings of those who are.

Still, Shuttle missions are prestigious and they maintain our superior launching capability.

I believe the shuttle is becoming more of an albatros than a shining example of our future. It's time to move on to the next best thing.

Further, I would state that the near term goals need to focus on the type of reality I am addressing here.

This must be the next stop, and the equipment we devise must be suited to making this a reality. Wasting money on anything that doesn't will just slow us down.

I forgot to address the space station. If anyone wants me to support something in space, it better have the name of the United States Department of Space on the side of it, or they can dump it in the Pacific. No argument there! International my arse...

As for private industry, their additions should be labeled according to who owns the thing. No problem there.