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In the short term, we should probably focus on fixing our problems on earth. Some space research should still be funded, but not as a major priority. Once we finally have our shit together, we can start exploring the stars.
This is a salient point, but obviously the answer lies in the nuance.
If there were some kind of mars-race and the US and China invest trillions in being the first to put a man on Mars, that seems like it would be a huge waste of resources given that those trillions of dollars would be better spent on rolling out renewables and de-carbonising industries.
On the other hand, methodical, strategic, considered advances into space are appropriate.
Space exploration needs to be balanced against our other objectives.
It'd be surprising if we haven't either ruined ourselves or achieved an actual end of history by 2300. So, that.
The savings from completely ignoring space aren't what people think, though.
I see what you're saying but reality is, we'll never get our shit together perfectly. We'll never advance into space if we wait on that.
Imagine if our ancestors thought that before travelling to new lands or sailing the seas. They wouldn't have gone anywhere.
Most of our ancestors probably did think that before sailing the seas, they were focused on feeding themselves, fighting off diseases and other tribes, learning how to build. While others focused on making boats and sailing. Sailing became what it is now because society survived long enough for sailing to develop. Similarly, if we as a species can keep ourselves alive long enough, gradual progress towards space exploration will develop into much more.
I think thats completely reasonable