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.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 18, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The face of baseball making history after betting scandal
Shohei Ohtani’s season began with him mired in a betting scandal for which he bore no fault, has included him achieving something no one else in the 150-year history of professional baseball has, and will likely end with him earning a third MVP (most valuable player) award of his career.
Who has taken pole as US politics enters the F1 world?
Election hopefuls are using the sport to promote campaigns
We can't stand Musk but he astounded us all this week
I have a confession to make: for a brief moment this week, I became a fully paid-up Elon Musk fanboy.
Saka chasing down the most elusive and weirdest record
With seven assists in as many matches to start the Premier League, is the single-season target of 20 within his reach?
MG dismiss dip in demand for EVs as its sales surge
Carmaker MG has insisted that a drop in electric car interest is “short term” as sales of its vehicles surged last year in the UK.
True story of the killer who appeared on a dating show
Netflix film Woman of the Hour’ is based on the life of serial killer Rodney Alcala, a man who was invited on a gameshow for primetime television and won. Words: Annabel Nugent
Greatest sequel of all time?
Once described as having an overstuffed plot’, Back to the Future 2’ is now up there with the second Terminator’ and Godfather’. Geoffrey Macnab goes back to see what changed
Payne drew the short straw in One Direction; now we'll never know the real him
In and out of the boy band, Liam Payne struggled to find a defining identity, writes Mark Beaumont. His life now cut tragically short, the singer is likely to remain elusive forever
Zelensky tells EU and Nato to back his 'victory plan'
Ukraine president pushes for invitation to military alliance
US stealth bombers strike Houthi bunkers in Yemen
US B-2 stealth bombers have been used against the Iran-backed Houthis for the first time in an escalation of Washington’s response to attacks on shipping in the Red Sea that serves as a message to Tehran.
