Absolutely trivial in global terms, barely a rounding error.They're in direct opposition unfortunately - unless we can resolve the massive carbon cost of wanging stuff into space (or permanent radiation cost if we use nuclear fission + ablative layers).
That rather depends on what they end up doing. It's massively high risk, but, if space resources (asteroid mining in particular) turn out to be doable, then the dividends are incredible and end the pollution of those industries on Earth. It's certainly worth a go and if the billionaires can fund/finance this, great.I'm still not seeing how it's profitable business any time in the short or even medium term (notwithstanding the space internet business). It's looking like very long term + government contracts. And "government contracts" = another phrase for taking taxpayers money and giving it to private citizens.
While Musk and Bezos lean into Robert Heinlein wish fulfilment, that's just about OK, it's when the billionaires start leaning into Ayn Rand, or think Snow Crash is a good template for society then we've got problems, or even worse the ones who think a bit of thinning the herd with an apocalypse is the way forward, Peter Theil for example.Musk and Bezos are cunts, but the engineers building these systems are doing a fine job. And Musk is right when he compares non-reusable rockets to a 747 that gets thrown away after a single flight. Just imagine how much flying would cost if you had to chuck the plane away at the end of the flight. 100 years from now going to the Moon might cost the same as going to Australia.
Yeah, but then, share price question. Musk'll be dead before they can bring back metals from asteroids and get them safely down our gravity well.That rather depends on what they end up doing. It's massively high risk, but, if space resources (asteroid mining in particular) turn out to be doable, then the dividends are incredible and end the pollution of those industries on Earth. It's certainly worth a go and if the billionaires can fund/finance this, great.
I think this is pretty much a given.While Musk and Bezos lean into Robert Heinlein wish fulfilment, that's just about OK, it's when the billionaires start leaning into Ayn Rand, or think Snow Crash is a good template for society then we've got problems, or even worse the ones who think a bit of thinning the herd with an apocalypse is the way forward, Peter Theil for example.