WI: NASA Followed a "Natural" progression?

[Johnrankins]

Actually, we did have to go up to fix the Hubble so it would work, and later for maintenance ( not cheap at all ). But purely economic benefits dictate that the private sector will be the future impetus for space exploration. NASA will become a minor player in the future unless national priorities take a hard right turn in the near future.

But not time and time again like you would have to do with a permanent Moon base.

 

[imperialaquila]

But not time and time again like you would have to do with a permanent Moon base.

Well, yes, we did have to send several space shuttle missions to fix up Hubble, the most recent (and last) in 2009, IIRC. Granted, that's not nearly the amount of flights that would be needed to maintain a permanent Moon base. However, a Moon base would be a far more expensive commitment than Hubble, both in terms of the initial costs and the regular resupply flights(and their costs).