Virgin Galactic’s use of the ‘Overview Effect’ to promote space tourism is a terrible irony

Sun, 9 Jul 2023 03:29:27 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/virgin-galactics-use-of-the-overview-effect-to-promote-space-tourism-is-a-terrible-irony-206868>

"Virgin Galactic, the space tourism company founded in 2004 by Richard Branson,
promotes its flights as offering:

A Brand New Perspective: Deepen your connection to Earth and to humanity
with the transformational experience known as the Overview Effect.

First discussed in 1987 by space philosopher Frank White, the Overview Effect
is a result of viewing Earth from space.

Expressions of the effect range broadly. Astronauts might experience profound
awe and wonder at the perception of Earth as a fragile living being. Some
suffer crushing grief when considering the harm humans inflict on nature.

While Virgin Galactic promotes access to the Overview Effect as a major
drawcard, it is a terrible irony that space tourism is enormously damaging for
the environment."

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics

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