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ASK_IF_IM_PENGUIN t1_ixiev0g wrote

This is damn awesome no matter which way you look at it.

Well done him.

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Skyblacker t1_ixj469r wrote

Not only does this open astronauting to disabled people, but also commercial space flight -- which will have to accommodate the general population before it becomes mainstream. Not just people in peak physical condition (even this disabled astronaut is a para athlete whose vitals are probably top notch), but Grandma with the pace maker and Aunt who's pregnant and Nephew who's a small child.

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albatross1873 t1_ixjms3i wrote

Most of these conditions would prevent you from riding a rollercoaster. To say that it would prevent the technology from becoming mainstream is a little shortsighted.

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Skyblacker t1_ixjo0yt wrote

Most people also don't ride roller coasters. Anything that's only open to the healthiest part of the adult population will be a fringe mode of transport.

Just look at bicycling: If there are flat routes away from most car traffic that link residential to commercial districts, the entire family will go out on bicycles for everyday errands, and the roads will be full of bicyclists. But if the only route between home and errand is a multi-lane stroad where any pedestrian or bicyclist takes their life in their own hand? Expect to only see a young single man occasionally.

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