Buzz Aldrin on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. Photographer: Neil Armstrong/PA.

A report published today by the Science and Technology Committee calls for the British government to end its ban on manned space travel. Since the 1960s successive British governments have decided not to fund space projects involving humans because of the expense and possible loss of life involved.

Former science minister Lord Sainsbury said in 2003 that manned space flights did not "make a great deal of sense either commercially or in terms of doing world-class science." But Phil Willis, chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, argues the UK is "missing true opportunities to develop the next generation of technologies" by refusing to fund manned space projects.

Expanding civil space activities is not merely a scientific endeavour; ever since the space race political motivations have driven space exploration.

Ken Pounds, a space scientist and former chief executive of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council reflects this desire for national prestige, saying: "I hope the government will be less cautious ... and make a public commitment to realising our full potential as a leading space faring nation."

In 1963 physicist Lloyd V Berkner warned the US government against reducing the space race "to the spectacle of an athletic contest." Many at the time viewed the US government's exorbitant spending as "moon madness," which was focused simply on beating Russia, whatever the cost.

Is human space exploration a "giant leap for mankind" or is it a political tool for national advancement? Either way, should we invest in it?