Developing key technologies such as molecular nanotechnology,
advanced fission and fusion for energy and propulsion would open
the solar system and provide a leap in available power greater
than the move from small steam engines of the 19th century to
20th century power plants. These are the major technologies that
are needed to fully realize the next level of human capability.
Trying to achieve space applications without these technologies
is like people trying to be creative with pullies and levers and
hand dug canals before the advent of steam engines. You can do a
lot but it is harder and more limited. Projecting a future 50
years from now without these technologies would be like
projecting the capabilities of a baby fifties into the future
who never learns to walk or develops manipulative skills beyond
toy blocks or develops cognitive skills beyond a five year old
level. A lot more effort and resources should be put into
developing the key capabilities instead of day to day hand to
mouth needs. By not de