The SEI already seems to have been fairly well gutted. Everytime the axe falls I curse those who holding the handle, but in the end if there's no money for it, then there's no money. They're just doing their job. Mars, and probably even the moon, will have to wait for another generation.

But how much does strategic dominance have to do with Mars anyway? As "high ground," Mars seems maybe a bit too high. Correct me if I'm wrong, you professional space types, but space dominance is an issue that'll unfold much closer to home, no? And it'll be placed on the military's tab, won't it? From what I've heard, NASA could [continue to] grind to a halt for all they care.

I could see the pursuit of space dominance ramping up to warp speed while dreams of Mars and the moon whither on the vine...again.

Am I wrong?