Rich men's rockets

[Seeker]

I started to watch the launch of Bezos's rocket this morning but then decided it will be of no benefit to me nor mankind so I went to make coffee instead. It was scrubbed anyway.

I used to follow the Apollo launches because it felt we, as a species, were advancing...

Now a space launch just seems to be outrageously rich men trying to outdo each other, "my rocket is bigger than yours". The planet desperately needs help and these guys are playing with their toys.

(I may be feeling particularly cynical this morning)

[Craig380]

This cartoon from The Guardian a few years back sums it up for me: applies equally to Bezos and Space Karen (I mean, it's nice to have a goal to aim at, but living on Mars? Utter hogwash).

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeands...-bezos-cartoon

[R1ffR4ff]

Same as Musk going to Mars. Still the same Sun

Waste of time and money IMHO.

[Ruffy]

If only they'd commit themselves to going on the actual voyage ... Make the ultimate commitment, a bit like those that tried to take their sub to the Titanic

I agree that it does not seem like these rocketeers are pursuing a scientific advancement in the interests of everyone's shared benefit (even if indirectly), which the original space missions did (certainly inspirational boundary pushing at the time). My feelings are similar to yours Seeker: whether they intend it or not, the perception they've created for me is one of selfish children at play (and expecting us to be wowed by their ostentatious activities at the same time).