People have very different responses to the same collection of facts. Thanks for your interest in Galileo and for your question. The question you ask is one of those tricky ones that needs some facts AND some opinions to create an answer. Human beings have always been explorers and adventurers. Not all of us, but some of us have always been that type.
Planetary exploration is part of that questioning process.
These are just some of the benefits. Here's another thought for you. I think you have become a small, but important, part of the Galileo project by asking your questions to me through Online from Jupiter. You caused me to spend time in my work day to think about your question and consider why we are really doing this big, difficult, expensive project. Over the course of the next two years, as Galileo continues to make history, you can learn with us and be part of the adventure as a member of the Galileo team.