> somewhat pointless to discuss before the prerequisite technology is developed
From the article "The study reveals elements of such a challenging mission, but it is nevertheless found to be feasible with technologies that are either extant or in active development." (emph. mine)
It's pointless to discuss the application of technologies in active development?
> there would be a thousand applications with a better return on investment than this
You veered into a baffling non-sequitur, there. ROI in a unique science mission to image an exoplanet 100 l.y. distant to a resolution of 10s km for potential human habitation? The successful ROI is incalculable.
From the article "The study reveals elements of such a challenging mission, but it is nevertheless found to be feasible with technologies that are either extant or in active development." (emph. mine)
It's pointless to discuss the application of technologies in active development?
> there would be a thousand applications with a better return on investment than this
You veered into a baffling non-sequitur, there. ROI in a unique science mission to image an exoplanet 100 l.y. distant to a resolution of 10s km for potential human habitation? The successful ROI is incalculable.