Space: The Next Generation

While NASA continues to do some dazzling work with its unmanned planetary probes and support of astronomy tools like the Hubble Space Telescope, it appears the most exciting and consequential phase of its manned programs is over. As it turns 50 today, NASA can rightly look back at its history with a certain amount of pride. But like anyone suffering a mid-life crisis, it probably needs to refocus on the few things its aging body still does well.

In fact, when it comes to manned presence in space, it's likely a new generation of entrepreneurs is poised to make orbit more accessible to the average person than NASA ever dreamed. State sponsorship can kick start big things--just ask Christopher Columbus. But it's not until the individual explorer "going west" has a personal stake in the outcome that the frontier really moves forward.