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We have to take in consideration that we are weighting space exploration against the comfort of a minority of hobiists. Do you want a thousand people to take pr

We have to take in consideration that we are weighting space exploration against the comfort of a minority of hobiists. Do you want a thousand people to take pretty pics of the sky, or millions to have rural internet ? I agree we should make sure we don't destroy the night sky view for the naked eyes, but I'm ok with having to see a satellite through my telescope when I look at venus. Not a big deal, and not important to humanity.

dylan604 5y ago
Large constellations of satellites providing internet signal has nothing to do wiht space exploration though.
- DennisP 5y ago
  As an independent company it wouldn't, but as part of SpaceX, Starlink is meant to provide funding for Starship, which has a lot to do with space exploration. Not only Mars trips but anything anyone else wants to do at $50/kg to LEO.
  - dylan604 5y ago
    What is the goal of SpaceX to be the ones actually doing the exploring, or just hiring themselves to be the means to which others can do the exploring? If the latter, then the hiring of SpaceX should be the source of funding. If the former, then they are going to be needing a helluva lot more cash than monthly subscription fees for internet service will ever provide. As a sidebar/tangent, I see SpaceX/Starlink being the first company to actually get close to putting their Adams-esque customer service department on a different heavenly body than earth. "For all Starlink service requests, please visit our offices in person. Our offices are conveniently located in the Sea of Tranquility, practically visible to everyone one most nights."
Gustomaximus 5y ago
To be fair to hobbyists, they contribute significant discoveries even in modern times. Far from pretty pictures of the sky. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_astronomy#Discoveries_with_major_contributions_by_amateur_astronomers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_astronomy#Discoveries_... Also I'd expect having an amateur community will feed people into a stronger professional community. While not on the same scale, consider taking the same its just hobbyists approach to software dev vs just leave it to the big guys like FB/Google. Edit: Spelling/clarity

dylan604 5y ago

Large constellations of satellites providing internet signal has nothing to do wiht space exploration though.

DennisP 5y ago
As an independent company it wouldn't, but as part of SpaceX, Starlink is meant to provide funding for Starship, which has a lot to do with space exploration. Not only Mars trips but anything anyone else wants to do at $50/kg to LEO.
- dylan604 5y ago
  What is the goal of SpaceX to be the ones actually doing the exploring, or just hiring themselves to be the means to which others can do the exploring? If the latter, then the hiring of SpaceX should be the source of funding. If the former, then they are going to be needing a helluva lot more cash than monthly subscription fees for internet service will ever provide. As a sidebar/tangent, I see SpaceX/Starlink being the first company to actually get close to putting their Adams-esque customer service department on a different heavenly body than earth. "For all Starlink service requests, please visit our offices in person. Our offices are conveniently located in the Sea of Tranquility, practically visible to everyone one most nights."

Gustomaximus 5y ago

To be fair to hobbyists, they contribute significant discoveries even in modern times. Far from pretty pictures of the sky. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_astronomy#Discoveries_with_major_contributions_by_amateur_astronomers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_astronomy#Discoveries_... Also I'd expect having an amateur community will feed people into a stronger professional community. While not on the same scale, consider taking the same its just hobbyists approach to software dev vs just leave it to the big guys like FB/Google. Edit: Spelling/clarity