The latest billionaire space circle jerk.

[Anomalocaris]

I am not begrudging problem solving. What I am warning against is ego driven profit chasing. Rockets require fossil fuels to get into space. So if we replace every passenger jet, which also requires fossil fuels, with rockets, and takeoffs of rockets were as daily as our current takeoffs of passenger jets, at the same volume, would not help in solving climate change.

I don't see a 100% future where all burning of fossil fuels will cease. But we certainly can as a species reduce that burning to a manageable level. But right now, "space tourism" is not only impractical, it won't end our burning of fossil fuels. 

For right now as far as space exploration, that needs to be limited to science, not exploitation. 

In theory, I'd love to see the majority of humans being able to view the planet in orbit. I do think psychologically it could imprint the notion that our only home isn't to be fought over and one we all share. But the fact is, fossil fuels are killing our planet. And I don't think it is as simple as replacing passenger jets with rockets in the same numbers. 

Imagine space travel launching rockets at the same rate every day as passenger jets. It still requires burning fossil fuels in both cases. That solves nothing. 

I am for space exploration. But for now, I think humanity would be better served at limiting rockets to science, not pleasure.

Space rockets don’t use fossil fuels. They never have.

Boru

On the contrary, kerosine, a petroleum fossil fuel, is the most used, and most widely used, propellants for space rockets.   It has very desirable properties as first stage rocket fuel.    So in rockets that employ different types of fuel for different stages, kerosine typically represent by far the largest fraction of the total fuel load.     Amongst others Saturn 5 used it, Soyuz, Zenit, Delta, Atlas, Elon Musk’s Falcon uses it now.     Some space powers such as russia and China are actually moving away from highly toxic synthetic rocket fuel towards much safer and more benign refined kerosine. 

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So a rich uber billionaire decided to show of 3 days ago. "Look what I can do" is their mantra. 

I don't think anyone likes being poor or middle class and struggling. Been there done that. But these "Ford Vs Chevy" "NASCAR vs Indy" thrill junkies do not impress me. 

I love Tokyo Japan. I love Brisbane Australia, and YES, I fucking hated all the time it took to get there, but more than that the turbulence. To this day I have nightmares about turbulence. I could tolerate a trip to Tokyo if it only took 90 minutes.

And while I am glad my mail isn't delivered by horse and the Pony express, humans still had electric vehicle technology 100 years ago. 

What I have seen from Branson, and Musk and Bezos, isn't so much about advancing science, but advancing profits and consumption. 

It is most certainly appealing of the thought of getting a view of the earth from above. But right now, our species has far more important issues in climate change and pollution and poverty, than a bunch of uber billionaires who are showing off.

I am amazed Brian has both the time to find so many things to dislike, and then actually give each thing it’s due amount of complaint time.   He must have many more than 24 hours in each of his days.