Homer E. Newell

In 1961, when President Kennedy declared that America would put a man on the moon by the end of the decade, critics complained about the cost. In response, two scientists argued that the endeavor shouldn't be thought of in terms of budgets or even science, but rather in terms of pursuing a "great adventure" on behalf of mankind.

“Critics ask whether the exploration of the solar system is a valid enterprise for the United States to undertake at this time.”