Leave Outer Space to the Millionaires

tcd004 writes "Martin Rees, Britain's Astronomer Royal has an interesting article in Foreign Policy arguing that the future of manned space travel should be left to wealthy adventurers. He points to the fact that modern state-funded space disasters become national traumas, and argues that that gung-ho millionaires are more free to take risks because they 'don't represent a nation; [they] represent humanity.'"

Comments

Re:What about national pride?

[CausticWindow]

I agree with you that there might be some scientific aspects to space travel that won't be adequately handled by playboys and adventurers.

But if there's one thing we don't need more of, it's national pride. Certainly not you Americans at least. If some of the african space programs would take off, then we're talking perhaps.

"Gungho millionaires represent Humanity?"

[kremvax]

I thought they represented big-oil on capitol hill!

Kremvax

Re:MOD PARENT UP

[Carnivorous Carrot]

> Because the guy really is a dumbass. Fucking
> ivory tower capitalists.... ...Now let me get back to my computer developed with tens of billions of dollars of private, greed-driven funds so I can download songs created by others that I shouldn't have to pay for, so I'm not gonna.

Now who's greedy? I'm telling ya, you guys can't handle the truth held up to your face.

Re:Anyone Else All For This?

[Q Who]

Wow... Never underestimate jealousy of a loser, I guess.