We’ve gained more than food for the soul from the space programs. Microelectronics and computer technology, fabric technologies, food technologies, energy storage and conversion stuff are areas where space exploration has led to scientific research and practical development with benefits outside the original ends.

An Apollo or Manhattan style project to deal with issues like hunger, homelessness, or even around clean energy production would be amazing. Perhaps an international effort to change the course of Syria and Yemen— hope of societies returning and going further up the Maslow Hierarchy in that part of the world.