Do we need another space program?

This is a no-brainer for me: of course we need to continue a program of space exploration. But we also need to make a stronger case to differentiate "research" from "development."

We need to have a constant space research program that will help define the feasibility of specific space-related proposals.

These will emerge over time, as we try to manage issues with over-population, disposal of nuclear waste, and perhaps other projects that could not or should not be carried out on earth.

We need to remember the contributions made by project Apollo to manufacturing and material science, as well as being a token of victory in the "space race."

And we shouldn't forget that we will not remain a major world power if we are skunked by other countries' space programs.