Government organizations, and scientists, who think of space as their own private testing ground, and research area cannot conceive of average people living, working, and vacationing in space. This mindset has delayed the settlement and industrialization of space for far too long. Lewis and Clark, Columbus, the Virginia colonies. New ventures often start out under Government auspices. They cannot stay under government control however if space is to be developed for Mankind.
Private ventures are far better suited to efficiently develop the space frontier than government.
Railroads made the settlement of the western half of the United States feasible for average citizens. Because they could be quickly haled overland to their new home. Also, the railroads provided a means for the products produced in the west to move eastward, and a fast route for finished goods. Opening new frontiers improves the lives of all people. This is not a brag, it is because America is a frontier nation, this has imbued America with a love of exploration, and individual liberty.