Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

as I once wrote before, space is the great failure of science: all we showed is that what was out there (the elements, the molecules) are pretty much the very same stuff that we have here.

While that simple fact may fascinate a Hawking or a Sagan, it does nothing to inspire a G. W. Bush or a Trump or a W. Buffet. It tells them there's nothing out there to get - there's no opportunity for trade with colonies because any colonies can't get us anything other than what we already have. This is why Space travel is not in any way like early exploration/colonization of America, Africa, or the East, where they did have stuff (some natural, some technological) that we (Europeans) didn't have and so exploitation was worth it for those that invest.

But so long as we think that "out there" is pretty much the same as "down here" (and we now are pretty darn sure it is), there's just no reason to go out there.

Yes, that's the rational excuse, but unfortunately, as much as they are irrational with their ponzi schemes, the people with the money are making the rational decision here.