Why manned flights matter
Am reading a french magazine "Diplomatie" with the latest edition about space "Géopolitique et géostratégie de l'espace".
Human space activity has always been an remains today a particularly sensitive geopolitical indicator.
The space environment approach by the few countries members of the space powers reveals the evolution of the international , political economical or military balances.
Space activity is never really by itself justified but well by its earthly consequences , weather they involve politics (prestige) or more directly military power plays.