The Two Matts DARK SIDE OF THE MATTS: A spectacular row erupts over NASA’s moonshot
Apr 2, 2026
A heated clash over NASA’s Artemis 2 launch spirals into a full-blown space war of words. They debate private firms versus public missions and whether humans or machines should land on the Moon. The conversation shifts to Trump’s rhetoric on Iran, rising religious influence in US politics, and how global turmoil might nudge the UK closer to Europe.
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Artemis Revives International Cooperation In Space
- Artemis revives large-scale international cooperation in space with 11 contributing countries and 60 signatories to the Artemis Accords.
- Matt Kelly argues this public-private, multinational approach counters the billionaire-privatised space trend and fosters a rules-based solar system order.
Human Role Shifts From Pilot To Passenger In Modern Missions
- Artemis marks a shift from hands-on piloting to machine-led missions where astronauts act largely as passengers.
- Matt d’Ancona notes Victor Glover is listed as a pilot yet modern systems automate descent and landing functions.
Space Moments Still Spark Planetary Consciousness
- Collective awe has declined amid cultural cynicism, but space moments can still spark planetary consciousness like Apollo did with Earth Day.
- Matt Kelly warns modern fragmentation and tech isolation weaken shared public wonder.
