i'm all for space research and development, but I like like the space plane look. and a world wide space program is great too, united to protect the earth from outside threats, Chinese electronics, Russian boosters, American capsules, mixed astronauts, whatever, it all is exciting and although, baby steps, they are taken in the right direction. I say get that cast iron rocket full of brave men to mars this year!! even if they all die. they expect that duty and will claim another planet for the world!
then Saturn's watery ice, and the asteroids treasures on MARS-1 industrial smelting plant. just missle back the gold and iridium and jewels to the moon please! I might even join if they take old farts like me.