re: could be
a rational space policy may be too much to ask for but we can hope.
Other than that, the part about sub-orbital transportation at $100 per lb makes sense and 40 -50 years is about what I would forsee for starting to move mining and manufacturing off planet. This would have to appeal to almost anyone if it is profitable.
No doubt, space might become a cheap place to live but it will always be a hard sell imo.