As far as government coercions go, it's hard to understand how someone could have a problem with forcing people to give up money in order to develop the most important technology in the history of technology. Would you mind explaining your point of view in a little more detail?

There won't be a market for space travel until it's a reality, so this would seem to be one of the only ways forward.

> it's hard to understand how someone could have a problem with forcing people to give up money in order to develop the most important technology in the history of technology

I'm not trying to defend stefan_kendall3's position, but you made a pretty large personal value judgement in that statement. You think this is "the most important technology in the history of technology"; many people don't.[1] In fact, many people think that human spaceflight, including some of the Earth orbit missions we already run, are a waste of valuable resources that should be diverted elsewhere.

[1] For the record, I think human spaceflight is pretty important in the long term, but disagree that it is most important area of technology. I think certain areas of medicine should be placed ahead of it, for example.

Good point! Thanks for the point of view.

I was genuinely hoping someone would provide a defense of stefan's position, but it's looking less like it'll happen. That's too bad, because it was a chance to learn something.

The space program has been (and will continue to be) directly responsible for many important technologies that lift the tide for ALL of humanity. Yes, even those who live in poverty.

If you are interested in learning how, read this short letter:

http://www.lettersofnote.com/2012/08/why-explore-space.html

Resentment of civilization is unhealthy.

Come one, surely you see the value in being "coerced" into improving the space program?