"Can't we replicate the environmental conditions and do the R&D and testing here more cheaply and safely?"
We learn by doing. We learn by flying. We learn by going. By touching. By making mistakes. By challenging ourselves in ways we never have before. We cant stay in the safe cradle of earth forever. Nor are we capable of that. Humans are driven to explore. It is why we are here at all.
Cheaper, safer?
That is not the essence of exploration. And exploration is part of the essence of humankind.
Great risk brings great rewards. There are no shortcuts.
"That is not the essence of exploration. And exploration is part of the essence of humankind.
What reward/dividend has the tax payer received for subsidizing two Space Shuttles that have been lost along with their crews? Some great Discovery Channel programming? I don't think tax dollars should be used merely to achieve the goals articulated by Captain Kirk in the introduction to Star Trek. We have other business to take care of on Earth.