The question not asked: The environmental impact of commercial space flight?

[MerryBlooms]

The question not considered? Did I just lose all respect and love for Neil Degrasse Tyson and Ari Melber?

https://www.msnbc.com/the-beat-with-ari/watch/neil-degrasse-tyson-break-down-the-bezos-branson-billionaire-space-race-117035077698

[Zeitghost]

1. I just don't get it

With all the things to get offended by, pushing the boundaries of science and engineering in pursuit of exploration shouldn't be anywhere near the top of the list. The technology developed in these types of endeavors generally ends up improving all our lives and in the long run, we either get off this planet or we come to an end, either sooner or later.

[canetoad]

2. For your answer

Look no further than the explorers of old. Some wanted to spread religion, the vast majority were looking for land to appropriate, riches to steal and shorter, faster, cheaper routes to import luxury goods.

Pretty much the same as it is now.

[hunter]

3. What's your environmental footprint?

Mine is unacceptably large.

Here's a carbon footprint calculator, which is just a fraction of your total environmental footprint:

https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/

I don't begrudge these wealthy people their joyrides. The science and technology is interesting and there are worse things to spend money on.

Too many wealthy people spend their money on utterly vile things like Republican politicians, fascist think tanks, and/or lobbying against environmental regulations, comfortable living wages, and worker safety rules.

[Dial H For Hero]

5. If I add my flying habits to the the result, I come in at around 4 times the US average.

[jimfields33]

6. I'm above average by 2,000 in carbon use

I must have done it wrong. lol.

[Dial H For Hero]

4. The environmental impact of commercial space flight is, in the grand scheme of things,

such a tiny fraction of the overall carbon footprint of humanity that pointing at it at saying “For shame” is rather silly. The operation of a single wide body jetliner will, over the course of its lifetime, be more impactful upon the environment than every commercial passenger space flight likely to occur in the next five years.