There seems to be another reality out there. I'm afraid that as America's baby boom approaches retirement age, as the US has to start paying for wars, the economy has to adjust to an increased price in energy and incomes across the world continue to level and average as the result of globalization and the dollar weakens, that

America will not find the funds for significant new developments in space exploration. That will be left to the economies without the debt and deficit problems which will increase in significance for the US.

I might be wrong and I would like to see it continue. I just don't think it can or will given the fiscal realities. It would be easy and more comfortable to read the plans, have wonderful dreams and give in to wishful thinking.

Arf