[avz]

These short-term benefits are minuscule compared to both the costs and the long-term benefits. There are more cost-effective ways of developing better frying pans, pillows and small blinking lights than running a space exploration program. OTOH, there is no other way to ensure long term survival of human civilization than diversifying our real estate away from one planet.

The only reliable way to argue for space exploration is by explaining how important the long-term benefits are.

[einrealist]

> The only reliable way to argue for space exploration is by explaining how important the long-term benefits are.

It is a gamble. Gambling is nice as long we have the resources. Global warming can eat those easily.