Should space experiments be done on the cheap?

[sheeny]

We rarely learn anything Earth-shaking from space labs, says Philip Ball - which is why inexpensive missions like Foton-M3 are the way to go. More in this article from nature:

http://www.nature.com/news/2007/070924/full/070924-13.html

Al.

[iceman]

I've enjoyed listening to some podcasts about the Discovery programme at NASA, where they launch low-cost, quick turn-around missions.. such as Stardust and Deep Impact and Dawn.

[Outbackmanyep]

I think if they can achieve the desired results then whats to stop them doing it more often?
That may mean more money freed up to make human space travel a bit more refined and ultimately safer.....not to say human space travel would be 100% safe anyway but.....