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Some people have the gene for tasting the bitter chemical PTC, some don't -- it's normal human variation. I can't help thinking some people have the gene for being delighted and awed by space, and some people just don't -- and that's normal human variation too.

Which said, genetics does not control (a) not knowing that, as a member state of ESA, Britain was involved in Artemis II or (b) that the official names of surface features of the Moon are decided by the International Astronomical Union. That takes the "Google (or ask) before speaking" gene. 😉

I thought the UK had pulled out of ESA a few years ago? I did know about the IAU. I also know that almost all lunar features named after people are posthumous, although the only feature named after an astronaut's wife (Mount Marilyn) was named while she is alive.

For that, you get: - the International Space Station and Artemis - development of new space and aeronautics technologies - maintenance of centres nationwide, each generating ~$7 per dollar invested - dozens of science missions, focusing on Earth, the Sun, the cosmos, and the entire Solar System

- arguably the most effective "soft power" by any nation in human history - something that *legitimately* inspires people around the world - LOOOAAAAADDDDSSSS more but I have work to do

I've been thinking about that soft power a lot. How much of it is negated by what the president is doing and saying now?