Yeah, but one of the big parts of the Brexit referendum’s two Leave campaigns was moping about a number merely twice that size being spent for all the combined benefits of a customs union and single market (the absence of which is now being blamed as a partial cause for empty supermarket shelves!), not something which cynics already deride as a billionaire size-measuring contest. Much as I love space, any proper space program — even ones well short of colonies — must do something tangible down on Earth.

I'd be careful taking anything from the brexit campaigns as evidence of anything. It was a baseless conclusion in search of excuses...

I take the wider point though. Its hard enough to get voters to find money for anything other than pensions, tax cuts or bombs.

People love criticizing Bezos and Musk for spending money on rockers. But I actually think they're fulfilling something we as a society have sadly neglected.

We should bomb the moon.

I think if nasa had remained a part of the military, it would have done more and been better funded...