We don't even have 100% of our own planet mapped out, it dumbfounds me that we're exploring other planets before we have ours totally sussed.
We will NEVER have earth 100% mapped out, so that's not really a good reason to ignore what's off our planet.
OT: NASA has significant powers that a privatized industry such as SpaceX does not. Charles F Bolden spoke at my university a few years ago and stated something along the lines of: "We will lose people in this venture. Did you hear that? I said we will lose people, they will die, or they will not come home.'
This is the most significant difference IMO. Some funds may be improperly allocated, sure, but overall I think NASA is better for the USA than it is bad.






















