The dream of reaching the last frontier

Humanity is clearly intrigued by the celestial objects of our solar system. When the space race of the American-Soviet Cold War rivalry culminated in 1969 with the first man walking on the moon, this signified a proud moment for Americans and a triumph for astronautical engineers whose entire careers were dedicated to this event.

Four decades later, billionaires are investing huge sums in the dream of landing a manned spaceship on Mars, with one man even unveiling a plan to establish a human colony there. Anticipated expense: $36 billion. To compare: the cost to end global poverty was estimated to be around $58 billion in 2014. No prize for guessing where this column’s line of argument is heading.

The billionaire founder of SpaceX, a company which develops and launches spacecraft, is understandably proud of its Interplanetary Transport System (ITS) which is envisaged to provide regular flights from Earth to Mars – and eventually beyond. SpaceX engineers have designed reusable rockets, which are more economical. Perhaps not exactly cheap in the eyes of ordinary citizens, but less expensive than other billionaires’ toys.

Such cost reductions could enable aerospace companies to launch a new space tourism phase. A larger number of affluent thrill seekers could be enticed by reduced fares. Some believe that tickets to Mars could drop to around $200,000 once regular flights commence. Perhaps this is good value to some, considering the astronomical (pun intended!) amounts of money required to make leisure trips to Mars possible.

No doubt, holidays on neighbouring planets count as exceptional experiences, but the inordinate sums spent may be seen as obscene if considering that other members of the species are living in poverty, denied basic health care, education and dignity. It is like watching our uncle buy lobster, caviar and French champagne while destitute relatives struggle to scrape together enough money for a handful of rice to feed their children.

Billionaire entrepreneurs yearning to earn praise for outstanding achievements should consider the vast array of projects worth funding on planet Earth: medical research perhaps, or technologies, which advance civilisation. They could make their mark by eradicating slavery, human trafficking, child labour, epidemics. Nice challenges for bored billionaires!

Earth offers endless exciting project choices. Past science and technology investments here enabled advancements, which truly improved people’s lives. From mobile phones to solar energy, funding new technologies on Earth has benefited not just the most financially endowed.

What drives the urge to colonise other planets when we are barely able to intelligently govern and manage our own? An innocent but indulgent obsession with new technologies and new frontiers? Humankind’s natural curiosity? Expansionism? Or the need for an extra-terrestrial habitat in case Earth can soon no longer sustain life as careless overconsumption and environmental degradation continue?

Neither the dawning of a new era of colonialism nor seeking a safe escape destination are defensible explanations. Why are our rich uncles not trying to heal Earth before taking possession of another planet? Unless we reign in excessive consumerism, pollution and the resulting destruction of the ozone layer essential for human survival, the less affluent will suffer the devastating consequences.

It is fashionable for billionaires to call themselves “entrepreneur philanthropist”. Several can wear the title quite convincingly, validated by committed, selfless investment in many projects that benefit society. Others, however, ignore the suffering which they could end with a single signature placed on the dotted line of a cheque. Nonetheless they expect to buy our admiration by spending a minuscule portion of their riches on public relations exercises aimed at humanising obscene wealth.

We must not idolise indulgent individuals whose wasteful lifestyles involve extravagant entertainment like interplanetary travel. The fuel burnt during each rocket launch leaves a mark on our shared environment. Our beautiful blue planet must be kept habitable for all. No backup planets for the rich, please! Space is not the final frontier. Poverty eradication is.