G. Harlan Reynolds advocates a free market approach to space exploration:

If you want settlement, and development, you need to give people an incentive. One possibility, discussed by space enthusiasts for some time, is a property-rights regime modeled on the American West, with land grants for those who actually establish a presence on the Moon or Mars. Some have, of course, derided the idea of a “Wild West” approach to space development, but other people like the idea of a “Moon Rush,” which I suppose could be expanded in time to a “Mars Rush.” [links omitted]

I’m rather agnostic on the whole thing, to be honest, but am quite amused by this rationale:

Could our “cowboy” President get behind a Wild West approach to space settlement? He’d be accused of unilateralism, disrespect for other nations, and, of course, of taking a “cowboy approach” to outer space that’s sure to infuriate other nations who want to be players but who can’t compete along those lines — like, say, the French. Hmm. When you look at it that way, there doesn’t seem to be much doubt about what he’ll do. Does there?

Heh.