[RWebb]

Besides the technology - not just Tang, but also velcro, numerous other consumer products, better spy sats, and dominance of the 'ultimate' high ground - space exploration gives us more knowledge.

For example, much of what we understand about the Earth involves comparisons with other planets, esp. Mars and Venus. I have even seen jobs advertised for a comparative planetologist.

NASA and Mil space technologies have gone hand in hand for decades now. It's clear that we would have lagged somewhat in mil. space usages if we didn't have NASA.

The real question to me is whether human space flight is worth it...