This question remains relevant today. Perhaps the best answer to this question is that having a space program is actually a cheap insurance policy against a civilization ending asteroid killing more than 99% of the world's population.
But, don't you think it's a little odd that we have multiple national space agencies plus international cooperation that spends billions on exploration projects; while we rely largely on private donations to fund this important research?
But, don't you think it's a little odd that we have multiple national space agencies plus international cooperation that spends billions on exploration projects; while we rely largely on private organizations and donations to fund this important research?