On Thu, 15 Jan 2004 16:26:28 GMT, "Steven P. McNicoll"

So space is a new US territory, and we're exploring it for the purpose of
erection of forts, magazines, dockyards and other needful buildings?


And what do you think our lives would be like if there had been
no exploration of space at all?

What is our very home of Earth but a spacecraft itself? carrying 6
billion astronauts around our star, the sun, which is circling the
galaxy? Don't you think that what we learn extending ourselves into
space will directly benefit and improve how we live on Earth? Its the
same problems. Recycling water, small power sources, efficient ways
to grow food. The benefits are huge. We just dont know what
we will learn on this journey. That is the spirit and purpose of
exploration, it is no different then then now. The frontiers
have changed is all.