Now Here's A Thought...

GoFundMe?

Raise your Prices?

LOL. David and Stefano, you both nailed it.

 

Help feed the poor?

We dont need no stink'n poor.

Not to be taken seriously...I chip in...

You will waste your life savings to go up into space for 10 min, when you can just really download a screensaver that shows earth?


----Mike Savad

Or that you will build your own backyard rocket, and charge only a $1000 to fly a 100ft in the air and see the neighborhood?


----Mike Savad

If I were worth many millions and the 250K didn't mean much to me, I'd do it, kinda like an expensive roller coaster ride, if the money was a big chunk of cash to me, I'd rather do something that lasts a bit longer, like wait until the price includes a few orbits. The 1K backyard rocket would be a covenant violation in my neighborhood and I'd have to deal with The Committee, which would disapprove due to the prohibition on explosives and open burning.

Billie's opinions on going into space.

I would go one step further and say even if I could I would not. For two main reasons.

One, I feel that sometimes in life just because you can, does not mean that you should. In this case the effects to the environment, if it should become a regular occurence, which I could see happening, are currently not mentioned. Normal aviation activity is detrimental enough. I think the extreme fragility of the atmosphere should be considered. etc...

Two, spent way too many years working hard for my money. I agree - I can just look at a picture of earth - isn't that all you will see?

We are creatures of emotions. Everything boils down to your emotions at the moment and later on when you remember this moment. Emotions during a space flight suppose to be great. The question is, do you think that later on, you will remember this flight from time to time with positive emotions? If yes, and if you could easily afford it, then go for it.

Many years ago, I took my first flying lesson, and during it, I controlled the Cessna plane for over an hour. Circumstances changed, and it was also my last flying session. I'm glad I did it, as, from time to time, I remember it with pleasure.

I don't even like getting on airplanes.

It's all that training and waiting around that would make me not want to participate.

I don't have a lot of patience.

Space flight employs thousands of people directly and indirectly, so it does feed people. Having customers allows it to continue to employ people. I'd go if given a chance. As for now, I'll have to settle for having ridden Mission Space at Epcot.

I do not have and never will have grandchildren.

I can't "take it with me."

Why go ANYWHERE if a picture is "good enough?" Seeing pics of the Galapagos, Machu Picchu, Antarctica, and African Safari, etc. doesn't come close to being there as I have.

Life is about experiences.

I have given time and money to the poor for 70 years. Don't preach to me.

I would do it in a heartbeat just to do it.

But I understand everyone is different. Go your own way, I'll go mine.

You may still need the money rather than donating it to a billionaire. I can think of many other uses for that kind of money.


----Mike Savad

If I ever won millions in the lottery then I would spend some of it on a trip into space. It must be an amazing experience.

Go for it. Blast yourself off the planet. It will give you something new to flex.

If I had that amount of money to spend like that, I would do it in a heartbeat. I agree that life is about experiences, and that with many things, a picture just isn't the same as experiencing it in person. I prefer to be the one taking the picture. Barring some big lottery win though, I don't see myself ever having $250k to spend on a trip to space.

As I said, I've done the Mission Space at Epcot. On that ride, if you take the more intense version, "Mission to Mars" you feel I think they say about 2 G forces. You can't feel that from looking at a picture or even watching a video of the ride (similar to what you do on the less intense version, Mission to Earth"). You won't experience the wonder of the technology that is allowing you the experience. Feel the weightlessness of space. You won't experience the feeling of potential helplessness and total reliance on your vehicle to keep you safe and bring you back.

As far as spending money to go? I'd just as soon use the money to buy the guitars and amps I want. I'll get more enjoyment out of those longer and they are an investment. I will even have some money left over for donating to charities. Give me a chance to go for free or the price of a middle class vacation...I'd go.

I would do it if I had millions to burn. I am still getting up my nerve for a balloon ride next year.

I am going to Amsterdam in 2022. Does that count?

John I feel badly. You should not be preached at. By all means if you can and desire to do so you should!

Actually did you see what William Shattner said about his flight and seeing the condition of the earth? I guess it could be an eye opening experience! I wonder if they let you bring a camera with you?

When y'all get there please take a group photo. LOL

My guess is that you are thinking lets bing watch T J Hooker together!

On a more serious not; the Earthrise image and Apollo 11 mission did have a big impact on me. I also think that a number of us where holding our breath during the Apollo mission. However; I am with others who think that there are better uses of the money!

Even IF I had Jeff Bezos Trillion Dollars - I would not go into space with it. I'm not long for leaving this earth in any case - why rush it?

" I am with others who think that there are better uses of the money!"

That's been argued as long as there's been a space program. Having been raised in what used to be called the "Military Industrial Complex", I recall that the space program had a big overlap with the military since the military wanted access to NASA technology but for their uses. It's worth noting that the liquid fuel missiles that have been used since the beginning of the space program were originally developed by the nazis to rain death down on Britain.

Since then NASA seems to have a life with positive intentions, not just raining down death, a balance to the military uses, something else to do with those scientists and engineers that we really DO need in life. And, it's worth noting that the NASA budget is a drop in the bucket compared to the military budget. If they shut it down and fired everybody, you would not notice a change in your taxes and the Federal government would still have massive deficits.

Aspirations are important to humans and NASA really gives us some of that.

Doug,

Just a note, I was talking caring about poor people yesterday and my parade was rained on because it was "political". Your post is far more political if ever. But frankly welcome. The irony of our society.