[kivihiinlane]

I'm curious, why is it better if Russia and China do it first?

[smoyer]

I believe @melling implied that it would be better if Russia and China could also get humans to Mars.

[bhhaskin]

The U.S. is just so far ahead in terms of space technology. I am sure one day other countries will catch up, but it is going to be awhile.

[angersock]

It's a matter of will, not necessarily of tech. The US has shown it lacks the will to achieve its former dominance.

[hucker]

Because then space exploration would be a political issue again, and we'd have another space race (hopefully)