I surmise that effective fusion power would completely alter the space race forever, even before we figure out propulsion from this energy source. The scientif

I surmise that effective fusion power would completely alter the space race forever, even before we figure out propulsion from this energy source. The scientific benefits from a potential large scale space platform with that kind of energy input would have enormity beyond measure, I'm sure. Even if we don't leave the planet, the amount of energy that can be produced from a fusion plant would still offer tremendous benefits. You could run massive technological infrastructure directly around such a power source. While one could say that humans themselves have little use of such a thing, I argue that fusion power could usher in a new age of humanity, despite the cost.