Within the Next 50?

[Jason]

The space age began 50 years ago, with the launch of Sputnik. We went to the moon within 12 years and then haven't gone any further since.

It seems farily likely we'll have a Mars landing before another 50 years go by, but 50 years ago we thought we'd already be there by now.
Will there be human exploration of another solar system by 2057? What about permanent colonies on the moon or Mars?

I read a column today that pointed out that there were 115 years between Columbus and the Jamestown colony. Will it take that long for humans to finally establish a permenent presence somewhere other than Earth?

[furi]

I think most people here would love to see a permannt Lunar/Martian Base (wouldn't really think of it as a colony) Lunar one would be a great staging post for later missions, and martian terraforming/colonisation would be an absolute awe inspiring exercise.

however I just want to be wearing a silver suit and going to work via my hovewr car in 50 years

THINKING .. NO I DON'T I'll be 85 and say what you like about pensions or longevity, I will not wear a silver spandex suit at thaty age unless there is a damned good reason for it