That's a shame. I was also introduced to Ada at university and, while I accept that the syntax is pedantic, it was demonstrably extremely useful. Now I just see it as another tool which I could competently apply to problems where high reliability is mandatory and distributed/concurrent algorithms are involved.

It is interesting that you bring up space exploration as an example, as strong AI could actually simplify space exploration. By sending smart drones, we could explore greater depths of the universe much more easily. as well as colonize other planets. This could even assist with human colonization. Strong AI drones could carry genetic material over thousands of years, prepare livable conditions and raise/train humans. I honestly believe this is a more practical colonization technique than sending living humans through space.