What is the Value of Manned Space Exploration?

I trust everyone here realizes the value of general space exploration. Some of the oldest philosophical questions that have resided in our minds (such as: where do we come from; how did we get here; what is the meaning of life, the universe, and everything; are we alone?) can be answered by looking out into the cosmos. More practically, some of the most pressing threats to life as we know it exist beyond Earth’s orbit. Studying things like the runaway greenhouse effect on Venus and hunting for civilization destroying asteroids are paramount to our survival as a species. But, is there any value to human spaceflight?

See a through discussion of the costs and benefits at: http://www.fromquarkstoquasars.com/what-is-the-value-of-manned-space-exploration/

And be sure to leave us your thoughts.