Those astronauts must be slightly insane.

[thinktoomuchtoooften]

I mean obviously they’re highly intelligent individuals and must know what they’re doing… but the risks are so huge and they have families. To me it’s just madness.

The mission is so carefully designed, planned and executed. Yes, it could go wrong but so can ordinary things.

If I had the smarts and the opportunity, I’d go too.

Good for them. Hope they love every moment.

I get nervous on the motorway, never mind on the far side of the moon, but I understand their willingness to do what they are doing.

What an adventure. Good luck to them!

I agree. I would never want to do it. I get nervous enough in a plane, never mind outer space!

Fill me in please, I’ve deleted the news app as I was getting anxious about health stories !

I couldn't help but think that we'd be wise to sort our planet out before go looking at the moon.

The cost is also madness imo. There are better things to spend millions (or is it billions?) on.

It’s exciting watching the launch but I can’t help thinking that we’ve made such a hash of things on earth, why do we want to export that chaos to the beautiful moon and then onto Mars.

Apparently they are searching out a landing space for future missions, why not use the last one...

Because they want to land and build the base on the poles, which have frozen water and minerals. The previous landing site is barren.

Using the Moon as a testing ground, to live there would enable them to learn more and then move on to other planets.

Apparently there are some tech issues? They must have amazing trust in the tech team!

I heard on the radio this morning that one of the astronauts is a single dad and he has given his children his will and instructions about who will look after them if he doesn’t return. This was said quite admiringly. I think a single mother doing the same would be criticised.

My son would go in a heartbeat. I’d be so worried about him but also extremely proud and excited for him. It’s an amazing thing to be able to do!

I agree. Am old enough to remember Challenger, I’m convinced this looks dodgy and you wouldn’t get me in that rocket!

That seems unfair, somehow. He’s 50 with teenage daughters. His wife died in 2020. His daughters aren’t interested in space but didn’t want him to stay. They made him moon cupcakes to convince him to go! He spent 165 days on the ISS previously, so they’re used to him being gone.

I don’t disagree that a woman would probably be treated differently but in this case, I don’t think he’s doing anything wrong to go. I don’t think a woman would be either.

@thunderful I'm also old enough to remember Challenger, so this makes me a bit apprehensive. I hope it goes well and they all come home safely.

The thought of space scares the shit out of me. But I would go, not that I would be of any use. Just for something exciting to do.

in China 100 driverless taxis stopped dead at the same time in a city due to a tech issue. Caused mayhem. Tech is not reliable.

Context?

The moon launch that's just happened

They’re obviously incredibly brave! I really enjoyed watching them take off and so glad they’re safe so far.

Ah, thanks. I had no idea.
This is happy sorts of news that we should be celebrating.. Not doom and gloom.

Well, the astronauts are carefully psychologically vetted, as well as selected for their physical fitness and expertise. They choose spectacularly unimaginative, ultra-focused people.

They are a lot braver than I am, you wouldnt get me doing it! But the launch was very exciting.

Crazy that 90 ish % of that rocket is fuel and thrusters and they are just sat there on top in that little capsule

There is no way I would ever ever volunteer for this. If I was rich and had the money I als wouldn’t pay to travel to the edge of space either. It’s not like a theme park ride when you know it will be all over in a minute or two - there’s no getting off if you don’t like it! Utter madness to me but then we are all different and if it wasn’t for people like this the u I were would be a smaller place (Hahahha that doesn’t even make any sense but hopefully you get what I mean!)

I’m old enough to remember Challenger and Columbia, but still happy about this launch.

What's happy about it?