[Xavier_Spinner_Wheels]

I'm super enthusiastic about space travel. But comparing the exploration of the solar system to the sub-orbital flights of Virgin Galactic, is akin to saying that renting catamarans at the pier increases interest in trans-Atlantic sailing.

Family rent a cat' for the afternoon, kids love it. Kids keep up their sailing interest as they grow up. Kids become successful business people with disposable funds. Kids, now grown up, purchase a yacht and go sailing the Oceans. Could as easily sponsor trans Atlantic sailing series or entrant.

Thing is, IMO, to get the kids and parents interested again in space research and exploration and if they have a chance of getting up there, it will help!. Sure, Virgin is just offering a near space experience, but it's a start - as are the other private companies that are working out how to get people, goods and materials into space - and to and from other solar bodies.
There are also the other spin-offs, such as cryogenics, propunsion systems, etc, that are being worked on to allow longer voyages.

If the religious zealots or natural disasters (man made or not) don't bring us back to the stone age, the next few decades may be very interesting.