Even though I am generally interested in science and technology, I have found it impossible to get excited about Artemis II.

I'm not quite sure. Maybe it's because America isn't exactly my favourite country these days because ... well, you know why. Or maybe it's because, contrary to what I'd always assumed, these things are a lot more jingoistic than I thought. It's not "Mankind is going to the moon", it's "America is beating China to the moon".

#Artemis #Artemis2

@davidnjoku

Yup.

Related:
I never see any of the "I'm just excited about space progress and science!" crowd celebrating any of the Chinese space flight accomplishments.

They were silent when China landed a robot on the moon a few years ago. Silent when China landed a rover on Mars. Silent about the Chinese space station that's orbiting the planet. Silent about China's crewed mission to Mars that is on schedule to depart on 2033.

When they talk about space and science and exploration being "humanity's accomplishments," it's pretty clear who they're viewing as humanity. There's an era of cold war nationalism that feels yucky.

@mekkaokereke @davidnjoku TBF, The Planetary Society is pretty rigorous about cheering space accomplishments no matter whose they are.

@marsroverdriver @davidnjoku

Fair.

But do people hear about Elon launches and Artemis from the planetary society? Or from CNN and other mainstream media?

Mekka

@mekkaokereke @davidnjoku I don't say what I say to disagree with your point, which I broadly agree with, friend. I just want to point out that principled exceptions exist. :-)