Why Space?

Supporters of the space program have always had to defend their position.  Opponents, not so much.  That might be changing.

Until recently, space exploration was the exclusive province of government.  Now, however, we are on the verge of a new era that will see private efforts pushing out the space frontier.  As they will be using private money, they won't need to defend their positions in the same way.  That could result in a fundamental shift in how society sees moving into space.