The "other applications" are what I think most people miss, and what's really important. For example, a lot of people think asteroid mining and resource extract

The "other applications" are what I think most people miss, and what's really important. For example, a lot of people think asteroid mining and resource extraction will be huge. I am skeptical. Processing anything in zero gravity may prove to be intractable. I welcome anyone to ponder how to really actually mine an asteroid. In zero or near zero g, no earthly techniques work; pick axes, drills, etc. All new techniques will be required. I think the Martian killer app may turn out to be a not too inhospital, shallow gravity well, that can serve as the industrial jumping off point and base for developing the rest of the solar system.