And that is exactly the reason it's considered so valuable to many people. There is valid argument in the fact that we should know everything about Earth before we explore beyond, but the idea of space is that it is a larger environment to explore. It's not just the Moon or Mars, those are just stepping stones in the ability to expand or relocate our population due to population growth and our destruction of the Earth. Exploring the ocean is like exploring a dark corner of a room we already occupy. We know that it's size is limited, because it's contained within Earth. Maybe it's possible to learn something from the oceans that would help save the Earth from our destruction, but that would be more work to save Earth, rather than relocate, and who wants to put in the effort? It's kind of sad, but we've grown up treating the planet a certain way, and now it's not easy to train ourselves to treat it better. It's easier to add the knowledge of space exploration, because those willing to try can put in the effort without being countered by those who have no interest. All of that is pretty much the basis from all the reading i've done on it. Well...that and the fact that our competitive element was willing to back Kennedy with his plan to beat the Russians to a major challenge. The Russians already orbited the Earth, and they were ahead in the ability to lift major structures into space, so the moon was the best and most difficult shot. Who would have felt exploring the ocean depths was as big a feat as going to the moon (even though the ocean is a tougher journey than many think.) Brandon