KebabGud t1_jae4pf3 wrote on February 28, 2023 at 7:55 PM

Reply to comment by Sassy_Weatherwax in Level 4 Cultist by jay_thorn

> I do think Elon is a rocket douche because I'm deeply uncomfortable with that creepy edgelord having that much control over our space program

I would not worry too much about that. What SpaceX did started an entire new industry thats resulted it several companies reaching orbit (But not Bezos).

Rocket Lab routinely launch their Electron rockets into orbit and their new Neutron rocket will probably be the rocket that replaces the SpaceX Falcon9 (when Starship is in full operation.)

Firefly Aerospace have kinda reached orbit (something Bezos is yet to manage)

We are still just in the start of the new Space age and its SO much cheaper this time.

Sassy_Weatherwax t1_jaefmfo wrote on February 28, 2023 at 9:05 PM

I hope you're right. I worry that he's already got enough power and money to maintain a monopoly, at least on the critical infrastructure...but hopefully that's not true. It's frightening though, that Ukraine's internet and communication capability rests in his hands, especially because he's buddying up to authoritarians and is susceptible to flattery by bad actors just like his orange twin, Trump.

KebabGud t1_jaemg72 wrote on February 28, 2023 at 9:49 PM

There is also a lot of misinformation out there regarding the use of Starlink in Ukraine.

Like when SpaceX said they cant use if for Drone strikes, people started complaining that Elon was sucking up to Putin ..

the reality is if they use it as a weapon or weapon component it will be classified as one and thus regulated by international Arms trade restrictions and made almost impossible to be sold outside the US..

there are a lot of billions invested in it