I think we should explore Space because it is necessary to preserve our civilization. I won't explain my reasons because they aren't important. The more important question is: "Why do politicians waste money on space?". The answer is simply: "National security". The politicians want people to make careers in aerospace so there will be a pool of engineers to design fighter planes, cluster bombs, cruise missiles, nuclear weapons, etc. Without the attraction of space exploration, the brightest people would avoid aerospace and pursue more prosaic careers. I only do work related to Space Exploration. However from the politician's perspective, I'm still useful because I function as a Judas goat. From their perspective, my role is to produce fancy space exploration technology to lure America's next generation of young engineers into becoming weapon designers. The irony of aerospace is remarkable. The same technology that could ultimately save our civilization might also destroy it. The attraction of the positive side of aerospace technology is what keeps the destructive side alive.

Gary