“space programs drive innovation”
Nope, not here, and now, and not this mission. Manned space capsules in earth orbit date back to 1961. Space exploration needs long-term sensors, not people, and that means means UNMANED missions are preferable. If the goal is exploration then it’s a waste of people to be in space for months or years or decades or centuries.
There is ZERO “national security” in low earth orbit or sending people beyond. None. Nada. Zip.