It’s .004% of global gdp for a mission that will have its cost spread out over years, and has a much more likely chance to generate knowledge than research into

It’s .004% of global gdp for a mission that will have its cost spread out over years, and has a much more likely chance to generate knowledge than research into less concrete topics. Even from a utilitarian point of view, there’s something to be said for pursuing things that help encourage humanity’s curiosity and interest in science.