Interesting chart, Thorne, and I agree that space exploration costs are comparatively small, and certainly smaller than the amount spent on international aid. So much smaller, one would think, that the diversion of that money into additional foreign aid would hardly be noticed.

Until you also realise that the space budget appears to be twice what is being provided for to meet future disaster costs ... So you can afford it, but should you be using it for other purposes after all?

That aside, I find myself agreeing with your suggestion that private capital should now be brought into play. If the Government can't/won't/shouldn't be funding space research anymore, where else will the money come from? As you point out, there are profits to be made, so what are we waiting for?

I note Tantric's concerns - do we want another Enron. Who's to say there will be, and who's to say that, without any space exploration there won't be? We humans are capable of behaving badly anywhere, but on balance, don't you agree we all behave rather well?

Talking of which ... Steelish, please explain what the difference is between an American and another human? Why can't Americans rely on others for (say) renewable energy?