Quote Originally Posted by rvg View Post
I'm not at all "Rah rah rah! Human race!" as you so eloquently put it. No need to be, as we have no competition. Nor do I advocate wasting money or lives.
Then why put a factory in space made of crappy materials other than to say, we made a factory in space made of crappy materials? Space elevators for space stations that don't exist, robots working in zero gravity, all for some moon rock. If you are not doing it for the pride of the human race, then I am at a loss as to why you would want it at all?


You do? Are you a rocket scientist or a space exploration expert? Barring a revelation from Jesus, what are your sources?
This is the backroom, my ego is my source.

Here's an answer. Investors invest money to make money. They don't invest for the advancement of the human race, they invest to beef up their bottomline. Example: Spirit and Opportunity. Brilliantly executed project, lots of information gained. Financially -- complete disaster. If we were to wait for investors, that project would never happen. No money in it.
A perfect set up of an asteroid mining colony is one of the most profitable ventures ever if it is done successfully. Sending down ingots of elements that currently put choke holds on the cost of electronics would be a complete cash cow.

Depending on private investment for space exploration is folly. That's why NASA is funded by taxpayers.
Well if we want to be realistic now, I would have to point out that for the past few years NASA's budget has been taking a beating and we should not depend on public investment given our current political climate.

Straw for the strawmen. Yes, more straw for the strawmen. Strawmen demand their straw.
Highlight where I have strawman'd your argument please. I'm afraid I won't have enough money to keep this one fed with fresh straw if it isn't worthy.