Thread

1. I_dream_of_Geni · 1790469671 · focus · HN ↗

   OK... Serious question here: we find "life" (algae?) on one of Saturn's moons or one of Jupiter's moons. So, we spend ~$50 Billion (arguably much more) and find "life". So? Why is this important to people? There isn't one chance in (place your own word here) that we can do anything about it or even send humans there. Seriously want to know what people really think...

   1. gosub100 · 1790498191 · focus · HN ↗

      > we spend ~$50 Billion (arguably much more)

      Thanks to the 2nd most hated man alive, it doesn't cost nearly this much to get to space anymore.

      1. rsynnott · 1790543876 · focus · HN ↗

         Eh. The rather similar JUICE and Europa Clipper Jupiter moon missions (~6 tonnes, going to the same place) were launched in 2023 and 2024 respectively. JUICE went on an Ariane 5 ECA for 150 million euro, the Europa Clipper went on a Falcon Heavy for $178 million. So, er, about the same cost. Reports of cheap access to space have been greatly exaggerated.

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