psychological factor

Spot on, Jackie - personally I think that image of 'earthrise' seen from the moon was a formative experience for many millions now alive. To see our own planet dwarfed yet so beautiful, rising over another planetry horizon for the first time in mankind's experience... well, I doubt if the whole Gaia and Green movement would have had a chance without it.

And I completely agree with your sentiments Rubrick; indeed, I'd rather see $10 billion 'wasted' on such apparently futile projects than $100 spent on yet another nuclear dustbin on our coastlines here on earth.