@SamanthaJaneSmith For sure, politics is deeply intertwined with space exploration and especially so with manned missions. It was really just this bit I was iffy about: ‘Political theatre, a win for a Trump led NASA if it succeeds.’ The clarification that you’d say the same regardless of who’s in office is good context. I wholeheartedly agree with your point about utility and the current admin gutting science.
You definitely know more about this world than I, so thanks for the insight.