I think Artemis was unusually exciting because those folk were incredibly well trained astronauts and science communicators, and really, *really* knew how to convey the everyday wonder of it - right down to having a Nutella jar come loose. I've seen it described as competency p*rn - just some smart, dedicated science folk going to work in space, and letting us come along for the ride. I'm all for the space programme in general for what I helps us do (primarily, inventing a bunch of tech that helps everyone back on the ground, which is a huge part of the wider value of it) - but celebrities going to space is space tourism, and that stuff isn't primarily about doing science and inventing things to help Earthlings - it's mainly about raising money. Artemis was the opposite, and that's why I loved every freaking minute of it.
Ah! That Artemis video. Fabulous.
I think Artemis was unusually exciting because those folk were incredibly well trained astronauts and science communicators, and really, *really* knew how to convey the everyday wonder of it - right down to having a Nutella jar come loose. I've seen it described as competency p*rn - just some smart, dedicated science folk going to work in space, and letting us come along for the ride. I'm all for the space programme in general for what I helps us do (primarily, inventing a bunch of tech that helps everyone back on the ground, which is a huge part of the wider value of it) - but celebrities going to space is space tourism, and that stuff isn't primarily about doing science and inventing things to help Earthlings - it's mainly about raising money. Artemis was the opposite, and that's why I loved every freaking minute of it.
I should have written, “I know Katy Perry/lots of ultra-rich people have now gone to space but why is this so much more exciting, Mike?”
😂
I couldn't resist a question worded like that one. It's like, "why is science so sciencey?" or "why are things?"
You write excellent Mikebait.
watch this space for our new podcast, Why Are Things With Mike Sowden
OH GOD THAT'S
GNN
DAMMIT BRENDAN
*adds to list*