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Allen and Rutan join a field crowded with Silicon Valley veterans who grew up on “Star Trek” and now want to fill a void created with the retirement of NASA’s space shuttle. Several companies are competing to develop spacecraft to deliver cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station.

I've said this before and I'll say it again.

There's nothing that can be done by people in space that can't be done cheaper and faster by people right here on Earth.

All of the technology we've gained has come from going into space. Nothing has come from people actually being in space.

Nothing has come from people actually being in space.

Our foray into space so far is more like the Vikings travels to North America than Columbus' voyages to the Caribbeans. Until we have spent more time in space, your assertion will hold true.

I've said this before and I'll say it again. There's nothing that can be done by people in space that can't be done cheaper and faster by people right here on Earth. All of the technology we've gained has come from going into space. Nothing has come from people actually being in space

I agree. If space can be a tourist destination, fine. Tourism is a huge industry. Developing it will spawn other industries.

As for space exploration, continue to use unmanned probes. They just discovered gypsum on Mars. If we eventually find fossils on Mars, and I think we will; mount a manned mission. Or at least return some samples.

The surface of Europa needs to be drilled. If there is liquid water below, it likely contains life. This can be done with unmanned probes.

When the moon landings ended in 1972, going there was becoming routine. The astronauts were like scientists in Antartica. Most of us will never go there, they may find some things that are interesting.

In the meantime, I have work to do.