Should space exploration be publicly funded?

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Should space exploration be publicly funded?".

Public funding drives innovation.

That's the standard justification, but it ignores the crucial role of market forces. Private companies are now leading the charge in space exploration, driving down costs and accelerating innovation at a pace government agencies can't match. If public funding is so effective, why is SpaceX revolutionizing space travel with reusable rockets developed through private investment?