Extract from Lords debate on Space Science and Technology - Jul 15
Tuesday, 16 July 2019 08:51
Lord Rees of Ludlow (CB):...Will there be a role for humans? The
practical role for them gets ever weaker with each advance in
robots, sensors and miniaturisation. It is therefore hard to
justify massive funding by taxpayers. Manned spaceflight should be
left to privately funded adventurers prepared to participate in a
cut-price programme far riskier and far cheaper than western
nations could impose on publicly supported civilians. The phrase
“space tourism” should be avoided. It lulls...Request free trial
(CB):...Will there
be a role for humans? The practical role for them gets ever weaker
with each advance in robots, sensors and miniaturisation. It is
therefore hard to justify massive funding by taxpayers. Manned
spaceflight should be left to privately funded adventurers prepared
to participate in a cut-price programme far riskier and far cheaper
than western nations could impose on publicly supported civilians.
The phrase “space tourism” should be avoided. It lulls people into
believing that such ventures are low risk. If that is the
perception, the inevitable accidents will be traumatic. These
exploits must be sold as dangerous sports or intrepid exploration.
By 2100, thrill seekers in the mould of Sir Ranulph Fiennes may
have established bases on the moon and Mars. Elon Musk of SpaceX
says he wants to die on Mars, but not on impact. We should cheer on
these enthusiasts...
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