The billionare backlash, misses an important point. NASA opened the door.

[tulipsandroses]

And yes it is absolutely about business. You can have a separate discussion about whether space travel should only be done by the govt.I don't agree with that argument, but thats a different discussion from the rich guy vanity argument.

By moving into orbit with its Commercial Crew Program and partnering with private companies to reach the lunar surface, NASA hopes to change the economics of spaceflight by increasing competition and driving down costs. If space travel truly does become cheaper and more accessible, it’s possible that private citizens will routinely visit space and gaze upon our blue, watery home world—either from space capsules, space stations, or even space hotels like the inflatable habitats Bigelow Aerospace intends to build.

[link:https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/future-spaceflight|

Private forays into space aren’t anything new. Since 2000, several deep-pocketed tourists have spent tens of millions of dollars to fly to the International Space Station. In addition, NASA has gradually encouraged private companies to take over U.S. launches of cargo and astronauts to the ISS. Commercial cargo flights for NASA began in 2012, and commercial crew flights began in 2020.|
Science on the edge of space.

SNIP
Much of the discussion around Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin has focused on the race between Branson and Bezos. But as these dueling billionaires fly toward the heavens, the vehicles their companies have built have enabled new kinds of research.

SNIP
Already, the two companies have flown science payloads and tech demonstrations, with the support of NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program. The Unity 22 flight included a human-tended experiment that recorded changes in plants’ gene activity just as the plants started to experience weightlessness, designed by the University of Florida and run by Virgin Galactic employee Sirisha Bandla.

][link:https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/what-virgin-galactic-milestone-flight-means-for-the-future-of-tourists-in-space|


2009 report from FAA regarding commercial space travel

The Economic Impact of Commercial Space Transportation on the U.S. Economy in 2009
EMERGING COMMERCIAL SPACE MARKETS
In the coming years, commercial space transportation may enable new markets that are currently emerging or have yet to develop (pre-emerging). As with the current enabled markets, these new markets may lead to measurable impacts within the U.S. national economy. Because these markets are, or may soon be emerging, they are not included in this report in measuring the economic impact of the space industry. As these market sectors mature and as their revenues increase, they will likely be included in future reports.
Market studies project that public research, educational, and adventure space transportation sectors will become significant revenue-producing markets in the foreseeable future. For example, market studies have shown that “space tourism,” whereby customers pay a fee to experience suborbital spaceflight, could become a billion-dollar market within 20 years.

[link:https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/media/Economic%20Impact%20Study%20September%202010_20101026_PS.pdf|

[scarletlib]

1. Must say the backlash has surprised me.

This is a liberal progressive forum. I think most believe in scientific progress. This is what today’s flight represents. Yes, they are billionaires but even if it is not their main intent they are doing something worthwhile in this endeavor.

[AllaN01Bear]

2. this was created after constant republican congresses kept cutting nasas budget.

the space shuttle was to replace all that and then we had challenger and disovery accidents which put a crimp into things and ronald raygun suspended all commercial shuttle flights and relegated it to research missions . the nasa motto became cheaper . higher . faster. and then we were purchaseing rides on the russian mier craft . so at least we wont have to send them money.

[jimfields33]

5. Reagan had a democratic house the entire time.

[gratuitous]

3. With all the wealth these men control

They'd rather shoot it into space than, say, alleviate some human suffering in the United States. By all means, let's not get judgey on them.

[Blaukraut]

4. The movie 'Elysium' comes to mind here.

The wealthy and powerful have created a safe, luxurious haven for themselves in space (around Earth's orbit) while leaving the rest of the riff raff to fend for themselves and provide the still necessary services for the elites on the home planet that's not doing too well anymore.

[tulipsandroses]

6. If thats the argument why they should not be involved, then why fund NASA?

certainly we have suffering to alleviate instead of funding NASA.

[gratuitous]

7. Right, because NASA is all about vanity joy rides, too

I don't think you've thought this through.

[tulipsandroses]

11. NASA Does many things including their own space tourism that caters to rich folks

As well as other commercial ventures. As in this agreement with Virgin Galactic

None of these companies are just about vanity joy rides.
Virgin Galactic Signs Space Act Agreement with NASA for Private Orbital Spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS)
Increases Commercial Participation in Human Spaceflight to ISS to Advance LEO Economy
[link:https://www.virgingalactic.com/articles/virgin-galactic-signs-space-act-agreement-with-nasa-for-private-orbital-spaceflight-to-the-international-space-station-iss/|

[JI7]

10. They can donate some money but they don't have the power to get systemic change by themselves

The fact is we already have many solutions that would work. The problem is voters that keep voting for the worst Republicans that are holding the country back.

[gratuitous]

21. Really?

I'll alert Rupert Murdoch, Charles Koch, and Rebekah Mercer.

[hunter]

20. I pay more attention to the billionaires who exacerbate human suffering.

For example...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_activities_of_the_Koch_brothers

[Renew Deal]

8. People should see The Expanse for an idea or what's coming.

Bonus points to Elysium.

[GulfCoast66]

9. The commercialization of space was planned by both Democratic and Republican politicians

Got no problem with it. I live in Central Florida. There is a launch almost weekly here it seems. Don’t hear about them? Good. Do you hear about every flight leaving from OIA? That’s what I want space travel to become. Routine.

And now we have the booster rockets landing themselves to be reused! First time I saw the video of it I could not believe it. Even on a ship in the ocean. If you think NASA would ever do that I disagree. It not their money when a rocket ditches in the Ocean.

Lots to dislike about Musk. But a man who has revolutionized space travel and made electric cars cool is to me not a bad guy. At least he did not spend his Bullions like the Cock brothers. Making us more fascist. He’s done some good.

There was a good reason to open up space to private industry. They will do the increasing east stuff.

NASA will come continue to do their mission. Exploration and discovery. Getting humans and cargo into low earth orbit no longer qualifies.

[tulipsandroses]

12. NASA will continue to do their mission. Exploration and discovery. Exactly!

Last edited Mon Jul 12, 2021, 06:31 AM - Edit history (1)

You basically paraphrased what NASA has said about private companies.

From their statement

Creating a robust economy in low-Earth orbit will be dependent on bringing many new companies and people into that economy, and will require the development of not only the supply of services but also the demand for those capabilities. We are continuing to see new entrants enabled by the new commercial use policy, and via research and development being conducted through the ISS National Laboratory. NASA continues to work with industry to reduce areas of uncertainty regarding the future of these commercial activities.

NASA’s goal is to achieve a robust economy in low-Earth orbit from which the agency can purchase services as one of many customers. A robust commercial space economy ensures national interests for research and development in low-Earth orbit are fulfilled while allowing NASA to focus government resources on deep space exploration through the Artemis program and land the first woman and next man on the surface of the Moon in 2024.
[link:https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-moving-forward-to-enable-a-low-earth-orbit-economy|

I think arguments can be made about the legitimate pros and cons. Such as how this industry will be regulated. We see what an unchecked tech industry can bring. But dislike of these guys IMO, is not a legit argument.

[whistler162]

13. Sorry, didn't know I had to watch

Branson's free infomercial for his new service!

[tulipsandroses]

15. Nobody said you had to watch

I am simply stating the point, that private companies in space travel is something NASA wanted.

[FreepFryer]

14. Then why are these rich passenger jaunts rather than actual commercial space transport?

Pure marketing. Fuck these CEOs and their vanity.

Put up a real mission and we can talk. Till then this is pure show.

[Amishman]

19. They know what they are doing, this is how commercial spaceflight is grown /developed

Elon Musk did plenty of his own publicity stunts, notably launching the Telsa Roadster with the Falcon Heavy test flight.

Keep in mind, that is what these publicity stunts really are - late development test flights. They're confident things will work well, but still need to test a bit more, so might as well drum up publicity for the upcoming use.

Space tourism is also a means of getting a customer to pay for some of your R&D.

Space X is over 25% of all space launches and a strong majority of all commercial launches, all while dramatically reduced the costs of launches with their innovations.

[FreepFryer]

22. LOL. They know what they are doing. Disagree. (Nt)

[betsuni]

16. I don't understand the point of the billionaire backlash.

[obamanut2012]

17. Me either

[Klaralven]

18. NASA was created in '58 following the "Sputnik Crisis"

It is the civilian R&D wing of the Military Industrial Complex.

It purpose is to maintain US technological superiority in aircraft, missiles and spaceflight to ensure security and project "soft power".