We could explore with robots.
I go back to the fact that people CLIMB over one-another to perform these missions. And the fact that I would jump on a space shuttle tomorrow. And like to think, that if given the time, right before dying like the astronauts did today, would say to myself: "Well...It's been a hell of a ride and well-worth the price".
I don't have what it takes to go through becomming an astronaut. Those who do are better people than me. And THEY build a better America. No robot can build anything like that.
And we do..
I still would hate to see the end of manned space exploration though. It would be like admitting failure and quitting.
Something we just don't normally do.
Wherever it's at, we haven't conquered it till there's a man standing on it.