[JoSixChip]

Space exploration is a great subject for science fiction, but is centuries away from practical travel.

Garbage, I'll bet in 2030 space travel to profitable mining operations on distant meteorites is common. Exploration and profits are what drive mankind.

label me a skeptic and a KOOK.

Ya, that was a given.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

I'll bet in 2030 space travel to profitable mining operations on distant meteorites is common

I think you're a bit too optimistic - I'd guess 2050 to 2060 for routine mining operations in the asteroid belt. But private industry will lead the way on this, not the government.