Do we still need a space program?

[The Gaffer]

Originally posted by Insidious Rex
But Gaff this is a pipe dream.

We can agree on that; and I wouldn't advocate scrapping NASA at all. What I'm trying to argue is that the "vision" of putting a human on Mars will lead us to spend lots of money which would be far better spent on other things, both within NASA and elsewhere. It may also be based on a flawed assumption of "trickle-down" benefits from the research.

There is another pipe dream here, which you acknowledge: the attraction of space exploration. I understand that, and share it. It may even be the most important benefit to us as a species (i.e. a collective sense of adventure).

Thinking about that feeling, one of the things it gives is tremendous confidence in humanity's technological capabilities, which I would argue is misplaced. From this comes the sense that we can solve all of our problems with technology. While this may be true, if we don't manage to redirect the collective political will in the right areas, your great- (x N) grandchildren are not going to be around to enjoy their holidays on Mars.