The Take Another Take: What the billionaire space race means for the rest of us
Feb 2, 2025
Lucianne Walkowicz is an esteemed astronomer at the Adler Planetarium and co-founder of the Just Space Alliance. In this insightful discussion, she delves into the implications of the billionaire space race, highlighting how figures like Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson are reshaping lunar exploration. Walkowicz addresses the ethical concerns surrounding resource exploitation and the challenges posed by unequal access to outer space. She also discusses the significance of the Artemis Accords and the legacy of the Outer Space Treaty in this evolving landscape.
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Renewed Moon Interest
- The renewed interest in the moon is partly due to its accessibility and clearer business cases, unlike Mars.
- The 2024 moon landing goal is politically driven, not scientifically necessary, according to Lucianne Walkowicz.
Private Space Companies and Government Contracts
- Private space companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin compete for government contracts, similar to traditional defense contractors.
- Despite marketing suggesting independence, these companies heavily rely on NASA contracts, like the one for the Artemis program's lunar lander.
Moon's Resources
- Billionaires like Musk and Bezos view the moon as a potential source of valuable resources like helium-3.
- This helium-3 could potentially power Earth's energy needs for centuries and be worth trillions of dollars.