Things like the moonshot, and the ISS, and getting to Mars, despite everyone's continual criticism of them, are essential because with projects that stretch lar

Things like the moonshot, and the ISS, and getting to Mars, despite everyone's continual criticism of them, are essential because with projects that stretch large timeframes, and rapidly changing Congresses, you need something politically unkillable - otherwise it will be killed, to pay for someone else's pet spending increase. Which of these do you think would generate outrage? Axing the moonshot, or defunding an experimental thruster research program? Doing cool stuff might not be the most efficient way to do research, but it's a hell of a lot better than nothing, and it inspires generations.