At first this seems logical: solve the existing probleme on Earth, and only then devote resources to 'nice to have' projects. The counter arguments are: The mo

At first this seems logical: solve the existing probleme on Earth, and only then devote resources to 'nice to have' projects. The counter arguments are: The money saved would probably not go to solving real problems (who gets to decide what problems are real?), but rather various politically favored boondoggles or just politicians' salaries It's relatively small chnage compared to other budget items space is a major driver of technological advance which can then be used on Earth space has the potential for enormous economic growth (admittedly this is a long term thing)