Personally I think a type of world government would have to arise to efficiently advance to space as the planet would definitely need to be unified on the goal and work for the idea. Currently, its a bunch of nations with their own ideas, differences, political bullshit and staying true to their cultures. Unless everyone on Earth suddenly decided LETS GO TO SPACE!, the only way I think it could happen anytime soon would be through war. A giant, global war to force people under a global government directed toward this one goal, or to eradicate those who refuse. Though if there was such a government with this vast control, they might just turn the whole planet into a tyrannical police state for the simple purpose of control and power, something stupidly striven for by most governments today for no other reason. A peaceful transition would take generations, IF countries and cultures agreed to set aside traditions bound here only on Earth and finally make peace as human beings to explore the stars. Sadly I doubt the latter, knowing how we're so caught up in our pathetic meddling we care nothing for any endeavor beyond our country, community, or personal identity.