I can see it being a step to preserve a cultural status that someone feels belongs to a population, or that should point to a population and its representative

I can see it being a step to preserve a cultural status that someone feels belongs to a population, or that should point to a population and its representative government, more than an individual with lots of money. Maybe an awkward step, but it does hit an interesting note in that way. Perhaps it's a move to point to a more appropriate way of reaching an ideal and also giving back to those who supported it. They do mention performing acts of benefit that seem to transcend just "going to space".