[pavel_lishin]

> But maybe it would come later, when the general level of wealth/technology is higher.

Sure, that's the whole question. In a place like ye olde Icelande or Ye New Somalia, could the economy develop to the point of a space program being achievable?

[hutzlibu]

I think so. But they don't really have to do it alone.

Even today many nations join forces for space missions. The ISS is the best example. Or CERN. Such big projects just require people who want to do it ... and funding. I think it doesn't really matter if the funding comes from one or a few big pots ... or many small ones (aka crowdfunding)