Space Cowboys

"There is a lot of discussion in the social media and press as to whether these vanity flights are worth it, or whether the relative money should be spent on domestic efforts and climate change, child poverty etc. Strikes me that is a valid discussion. It is pretty hard to argue with the "spend your cash now" on this or that. Very valid arguments."

"I will also add, that as a former pilot, I more love the fact that actual pilots had to drive Virgin Galactictic. Bezos vehicle is the proverbial space monkeys in pre-Mercury criticisms. There are a multitude of questions on the Billionaire Blastoffs. All, and maybe more, valid to be discussed. Personally only, I think the net good in advancement of engineering and US space capability militates in the positivities column. But that is not an easy question."

Billionaire Blastoffs include flights by Sir Richard Branson (Virgin Galactic), Jeff Bezos (Blue Origin), and Elon Musk, with Branson first, Bezos next, and Musk later. Public debate centers on whether these vanity flights justify the expense versus funding domestic priorities like climate change and child poverty. Supporters argue long-term engineering value and strengthened US space capability result from such ventures. Former pilots appreciate crewed piloted flights over automated approaches. Critics label some flights as vanity, while proponents cite potential technical and capability gains. The net balance between societal needs and space advancement remains complex and contested.

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