I think the point is that this is easily separable from money. If tomorrow, going to space became a pedestrian affair, available to all, a sizable chunk of this interested would still want to do it. The impulse isn't as status-driven as you describe it: wanting to see the Earth from space doesnt derive most of its value from being the only one that gets to do it. Compare it to seeing the Grand Canyon. Nobody goes there because they think it's a unique privilege. They pack in amongst the Midwestern tourists because the Grand Canyon is amazing.