I'm not sure how much of the book directed Kubric's vision for 2001 - but the picture of humans being rediculously fragile and unfit for the environment of space is right on. Until we adapt ourselves to space, we ought to put resources into projects on earth. A space trailer full of vegetables? Spend the money on a space elevator and orbital power stations - the cheap power will (directly or indirectly) feed hundreds of thousands more people than the few canned meatbots on their way to the next solar orbit. What point is there in sending flesh people to mars? Can't we build machines to mine the asteroid belt more cheaply than stationing people in space? "National Pride" - please, I'd have more pride if we'd mind our own business and fix problems at home first...