In the very early stages of WWII the United States of America was behind the power curve. There was no money, no new equipment, and even less effective training for our valiant soldiers to enter war with. However, they made due. The trained with soupcans and rocks and broom handles until the might of industry could supply them. In the end they became the most lethal and powerful military in the world and by many standards still is. Our president has ordered the creation of the U.S.Space Force, a separate but equal military branch. Now this IS the 21st Century, and the earth should have a far more real presence in space, as well as the moon and other planets. It's also reasonable to assume that the USA would lead such an endevour. But it seems our president has missed a few points. Such as; We have no operational space shuttles. Or heavy lift rockets that can carry anyone. The US does not have anything that could be used to defend earth, let alone perform a rescue of the crew on the ISS. So far, we humans seem to be the only ones out here on our end of space. MOONRAKER was just a movie. One shuttle alone would cost $500 Million, and $1.5 billion per launch (GAO Sep '12) Still, maybe it is time to start thinking it through. But it's not going to be pretty at the start..