[bolobaby]

Oh... and... the first sailing ships didn't make it all the way to America. Only successive voyages and improved navigation technology allowed settlers to arrive here.

It's a process of steps - each step as important as the Wright brothers first flight.

As for short term benefits, consider the fact that space is already a hot commodity because of communication needs. Unfortunately, many satellites are being put into orbit by other countries these days. If we develop cheap technology to lift payloads off the ground, it'll be a boon to the U.S. Moreso if we deregulate a bit...

Finally, there are many theories that support the idea that Mars could be terraformed into a habitable climate. Absolutely none of these are tested becaue we lack the data, but that's what missions like Spirit are for.

[Colorado Doug]

Since our spy satellites are becoming more susceptible to being hit in earth orbit, perhaps a Mars spy station might be a little safer.

[F16Fighter]

"There are many theories that support the idea that Mars could be terraformed into a habitable climate."

Taken from Mr. Mojo's link at post #63:

Terraforming Mars will be a huge undertaking, if it is ever done at all. Initial stages of terraforming Mars could take several decades or centuries. Terraforming the entire planet into an Earth-like habitat would have to be done over several millennia.

I have seen the future guys, and it ain't pretty. Or comfortable. Or realistic. Rent out Ahnold's Schwarzenegger's 'Total Recall' and you'll see what I mean...

In the meantime, you'll find me on planet earth, prefering to bask in the relative tropical January "habitat" of Earth's Lambeau Field and it's temperature of 10 degrees.