One issue is definitely that there is no tangible (economical) upside to anything other than low earth launches and now maybe the moon, and the scientific exploration, while technically cheaper now, is still expensive - and requires a lot of public funding, which hinges on public interest. I don't think the general public is still as enthusiastic about space exploration anymore, people are far more skeptical about the upside given all the problem we have down here that occupy their minds constantly.
Yep notice that all the space stuff going on is about commerce not science.
Personally I couldn't give a shit about astronauts landing on the moon I want hundreds of drones flying around the solar system doing science but I'm the minority.
At least ESA isn't doing much propaganda.
