In the long run, yes. The practical case gets ever weaker with each advance in robotic probes - indeed as a scientist I see little purpose in sending people into space at all. But as a human being, I'm nonetheless an enthusiast for human space exploration of the moon, Mars and even beyond. However, it will have to be in a very different style, and with different motives, from traditional NASA exploits.
It would be sad if the expertise built up during the 40 years of the US and Russian manned programmes were allowed to dissipate. Abandoning the shuttle and committing to new launch vehicles and propulsion systems is actually a prerequisite for a vibrant manned programme. However, the next humans to walk on the moon may be Chinese - only China seems to have the resources, the dirigiste government and the willingness to undertake a risky Apollo-style programme.
The ...
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