First, it seems the decision to spend the kind of money necessary for something like an interplanetary probe is 95% political and 5% scientific. The decision, for instance, to create Apollo and go to the Moon was political.

I don't know if there will be the political will to spend the sort of money which would bring no political glory to the originating party in the foreseeable future.

Scientifically there is the will, certainly.

Second, I'm reminded of Mexico and Cortez. Humans dealing with humans, though Cortez didn't think so. Didn't make 'em go to Mass, and even branded them, as according to him the "locals" didn't have souls.

Would have been better to stay out of sight. Much better. Just doesn't seem reasonable to assume another culture, other beings, would have the best interests of Homo Sapiens at heart. We don't even have the best interests of each other at heart.

Arf