What is the best way to fund space research?

Do you think the government should be a sizable portion of space research through organizations like NASA or do you believe the private sector should handle it (i.e. SpaceX). Or is there a middle ground with grants, etc.?

This can be further extended to things like medicine and the NIH, etc., but for now let's focus on space, astrophysics, etc. (although analogous arguments probably exist for both). I will share my opinion later as the discussion gets going.

Hammer said:

NASA: Entitlement program from nerds.

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It is not an "entitlement" program and the nerds make the world and America keep going

Hammer said:

A lot of public money goes into space research through public universities. Private companies have deep enough pockets to fund practical space research.

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Question is, is it enough? Then there is the issue of what research private entities can viably take on (some research might have long-term benefits that is greater than the life or expectations of any individual) to stay profitable or solvent. It is an interesting question though, in my opinion.

Crowdsourcing and prize-based innovation like X Prize offer another potential alternative.