1972 was like Columbus getting to the new world - both financed by, more or less, public money. The United States became what it was, and Europe profited beyond immagination, because financial innovations permitted for profit expeditions. Profiting from the new world did not happen right away.
As it stands now, the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies of 1967 completely inhibits investment in extra terrestrial for profit ventures. Nothing will ever happen until we withdraw from the treaty.
>>Nothing will ever happen until we withdraw from the treaty.
Did the Chinese Communists get that memo?