Space tourism

There are many critics of the billionaires who will be taking quick trips into space, riding on rockets built and operated by Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic. Senator Bernie Sanders weighed in on the matter recently.

With respect for the renowned Senator who cares deeply, passionately about the disadvantaged citizens of our country, the view that the business of space tourism is frivolous and wasteful is shortsighted. Many people over the decades have argued that money spent on space exploration is better spent alleviating the hunger and poverty found all over this country. Critics now contend that these brief adventures for the very few individuals who can afford them is money wasted when we have so many problems on the ground.

The design, production and operation of rockets for ‘frivolous’ purposes nevertheless demands extraordinary talent and very practical specialized skills. Engineers trained in rocket science are a treasure for this nation; they belong to an elite group of individuals with knowledge and abilities critical to the future of America and, indeed, the world. Engineering is essential for the construction and maintenance of infrastructure, for the production of countless consumer goods, for developing the vehicles that transport us and move the appliances and equipment on which we depend, and for the defense of this nation as well. Engineering is thus crucial to our way of life.

Training as many citizens as we can in science, technology and engineering helps our country to maintain its leadership among the nations. If space tourism provides needed income for the companies that offer it, then that income can help to ensure, directly or indirectly, the flourishing of vital sectors of our society. The business of space tourism affords opportunities for those who can exploit them to gain training and experience in an exciting and pathbreaking field. Engineers trained in rocket science have knowledge and skills that may be tapped for contributions to other technical fields.

Calling attention to the needs of the poverty-stricken and homeless, and advocating for the alleviation of hardship and hunger, is never bad. Space tourism is not the problem, though, considering the unwillingness of Congress to dole out even greater sums than it already has to lessen the suffering of destitute families. Asking for the suppression of research and development in space exploration, even if such a request would succeed, is not going to make much difference to the lives of disadvantaged citizens.

Then congratulations should go to Blue Origin and to Virgin Galactic for their contributions to the progress of our present generation and future generations of the human race.