Public reaction to dangerous endeavours
Maybe it's cynical, but I wonder if the general public might get more excited about a mission with some degree of risk rather than the equivalent of Auntie Lizzy making a run to the bingo hall in her 79 Caddy? Nascar racing is hugely popular, largely because there are a lot of smashes, spins and explosions. I think humanity in general has the urge for adventure, but too safe is not perceived as an adventure, no matter how momentous the journey.