The idea about how privately funded robotic space missions can be profitable is described at the bottom here:
<<Link removed by moderator>>
Scroll down to the bottom since that is the relevant part about the financing.
Bob Clark
Just realized you guys have the posts from the original forum going back to 2004. Cool. I was interested in reading what were the discussions back then.
Bob Clark
Glad to see you guys back. I was a big fan of the old site.
I'm a math guy with a big interest in all things space related. Looking forward to participating in the discussions.
Bob Clark