The Chief Instigator wrote:

Fortunately, while we've turned our backs on space, the ESA is forging
ahead...so maybe we'll actually get to another planet, even if not in my
lifetime.

Are you guys living under a rock?

Have you heard of the Crew Exploration Vehicle?

Perhaps you were too busy getting Bilbo to explain the finer points of
that 14th newsreader installation?? LOL!