Please, let me explain: I’m a science fiction nerd. I have been since I learnt to read. But the predictions of the sci-fi I read as a kid were often wildly optimistic with regard to things like moon bases and Martian colonisation – and I’ve always waited for something to come along and make them a reality.
Musk might bring the fictional futures that thrilled me closer. The photos released on Tuesday to celebrate the fifth test flight of SpaceX’s Starship mega-rocket, which included the catching of the first stage via launch tower “chopsticks” minutes after take-off, were stunning. They genuinely look like something out of Star Trek. It seems that SpaceX is, to borrow a phrase, “boldly going”.
Space programmes are expensive and, as a result, controversial. But if a private outfit wants to take the plunge – and if it can find investors to back it as SpaceX has – then why not? Yes, we need to fix Planet Earth. But people like the late Stephen Hawking eloquently made the case for exploring – and, yes, colonising – space as an insurance policy for the human race.
If only Musk were to focus his attention on providing one – and pushing SpaceX’s innovations, rather than playing scary demagogue, pushing conspiracy theories on X and fanning the flames of hatred. I’m sure many of his investors would agree.
Denne historien er fra October 18, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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Denne historien er fra October 18, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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Tuchel left with big calls to make after Carsley refresh
No pressure, Thomas. Lee Carsley hands over to Thomas Tuchel promising to give England’s next manager a comprehensive debrief on the three autumn camps but perhaps also elevating expectations. Not so much with the results – promotion in the Nations League was anticipated for a team ranked fourth in the world and who reached the final of Euro 2024 – as with his assessment of England’s prospects for the time covered by Tuchel’s 18-month deal.
Wiegman calls up uncapped trio for injury-hit Lionesses
England manager Sarina Wiegman is confident Laura Blindkilde-Brown and Ruby Mace can both make the most of their first senior call-ups to an injury-hit squad.
Wales promoted as Cullen double freezes out Iceland
Wales won Nations League promotion as Liam Cullen’s first two international goals helped them to a 4-1 victory over Iceland.
Retail bosses gifted excuse for when things go wrong
It’s not just British farmers who are hacked off by the latest Budget some of the biggest names in retail have now joined forces to send one of those angry, multi-signature letters to the chancellor, scolding her for the imminent tax hikes coming their way.
Jaguar pounces on new logo
Car giant Jaguar has unveiled a new logo and a rebranded range of electric cars alongside marketing slogans such as “delete ordinary,” “live vivid,” and “copy nothing.”
OF UNSOUND MIND
A disquieting mood permeates the BBC's 'The Listeners', the complex story of a teacher whose life unravels after she starts hearing a ceaseless, mysterious hum, writes Nick Hilton
It's grit over gloss in photo show's eye on the Eighties
Protest, poverty and privilege - The 80s: Photographing Britain at Tate Britain offers an exciting, if partial, view of a decade that remains highly polarising, writes Mark Hudson
Publicly-owned rail may not get us back on right track
Nationalisation is often touted as a golden ticket to a better train service. Simon Calder is less optimistic it will work
CAFFEINE FIX
Why does a squirt of syrup in your coffee at Christmas burn such a massive hole in your wallet? Olivia Petter finds out.
Longing and loss: our era of British cinematic elegance
It is four decades since A Room with a View’ made Merchant Ivory a household name. Sarah Sands recalls a world in which her brother Kit and her then husband Julian were central
