Our population is growing, our resources are dwindling. Our economy is predicated on constant growth, but that goal is impossible on just one planet. Our long term survival as a species rests on our ability to leave our world and colonize others before we use up all of Earth's natural resources.
Therefore it is imperative that funding for NASA be increased, and the space program revitalized. A new set of Apollo missions should be undertaken, beginning with new manned missions to the moon and culminating in the establishment of a permanent, manned installation. The benefits from this effort to technology development and jobs provided by this ambitious goal will help bolster the flagging economy and provide hope and purpose for a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.