The basic research has all been funded by governments. The risks have all been taken by the governments. They have learned what works, what doesn't and how it does. That technology is turned over to private companies. Who, with libertarian trumpets blaring, herald a new era of private enterprise without mentioning they are standing on the shoulders of publically funded projects.

Lies, distortions, and very weak memories allow those people to worship entrepreneurs who take $200 billion of public funding of research and development, $200 or more experience, and add $1 billion of their own and call it free enterprise.

Mars, outer planet, and basic research will always have to be funded by governments. As soon as there might be a return, the profiteers will force a government to turn it over. Up to then, except for the toys of a Paul Allen or a Jeff Bezos, who devote a small percentage of their wealth to them, governments will have to fund that which is in the interests of all mankind.