Moral Maze Artemis 2 and the ethics of human space flight
Apr 2, 2026
Guest
James Orr
Guest
Anne McElvoy
Guest
Carmody Grey
Guest
Mary-Jane Rubenstein
Guest
Tony Milligan
Guest
Simeon Barber
James Orr, Cambridge philosopher probing moral justifications. Anne McElvoy, journalist weighing enthusiasm against practical limits. Carmody Grey, theologian urging caution amid ecological crisis. Mary Jane Rubenstein, philosopher warning of corporate and military motives. Tony Milligan, space ethicist arguing for species survival. Simeon Barber, lunar scientist giving technical and scientific perspective. They debate costs, motives, science, environment and cultural ethics.
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Episode notes
Cost Versus Purpose Of Artemis II
- Artemis II's launch revives old ethical questions about spending billions on human spaceflight while Earth faces poverty and climate crisis.
- The episode frames core tensions: $2bn per launch tonight, $93bn total so far, and competing moral narratives of vision versus diversion.
Apollo's Moon Rocks Delivered Unseen Scientific Value
- Simeon Barber describes Apollo's unexpected scientific payoff: 400 kilograms of moon rocks produced decades of valuable research.
- He contrasts Apollo's footprints-and-flags motive with long-term scientific study that advanced planetary science at Open University labs.
Design Space Programs Around In‑Situ Sustainability
- Start space work with sustainability and in-situ resource use to reduce Earth-dependence rather than repeat short-lived Apollo bursts.
- Barber recommends learning to 'live off the land' on the Moon and making exploration cost-effective through local resources.