Will the cost of the space programs ever return their worth in the value of the ensuing innovation? Probably not. But will the net return of a forward-thinking societal mindset bent on pushing the boundaries beyond what is currently possible prove to justify these endeavors? Absolutely. It pays out non-tangible dividends every single day.
Project Apollo spurred on a technological revolution — everything from advances in food packaging to computers. Fifty years later, we are still reaping the rewards.