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Summary

The article discusses the impact of geopolitical conflicts on space collaboration, exemplified by Roscosmos' demands on OneWeb, which threaten international space projects and symbolize a broader psychological "war" affecting human unity and passion.

Abstract

The recent actions of Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, have highlighted the vulnerability of international space projects to geopolitical tensions. OneWeb, a British company striving to provide global internet access via satellite, faced unexpected demands from Roscosmos, including assurances against military use and the removal of British, American, and Japanese flags from a Soyuz rocket. These demands come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has already caused significant human and material loss. The article reflects on the broader implications of such actions, questioning the mindset that leads to the disruption of collaborative efforts and the destruction of shared passions. It underscores the irony of humanity's advancements in space being undermined by Earth-bound conflicts, urging readers to consider the psychological dimensions of these confrontations and to strive for unity and understanding despite the challenges.

Opinions

  • The author expresses sadness over the politicization of space exploration and the negative impact on collaborative projects like OneWeb's satellite internet initiative.
  • There is a clear criticism of the actions taken by Roscosmos, which are seen as controversial and disruptive to a project that has peaceful and beneficial goals for humanity.
  • The article suggests that the actions of Roscosmos reflect deeper psychological issues, indicative of a "war" within people's minds, fueled by a need to establish superiority and define friend/foe relationships.
  • The author advocates for a reevaluation of how individuals perceive themselves and others, emphasizing that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and that power should be based on the strength of arguments rather than force or position.
  • The piece calls for a human-centric approach to global issues, promoting the idea that everyone's place is among humanity, and that the side of humanity should be chosen over divisive allegiances.
  • The author acknowledges the difficulty of life among humans, requiring consistent effort and movement, and encourages continued attempts at unity and progress through shared passions.

The Destruction of Uniting Passion

Why there is more than one war happening in Ukraine right now

Stills of workers covering flags on a Soyuz rocket that was intended to take OneWeb satellites into orbit. Image credit: Original video Twitter/@Rogozin, stills obtained through timesofindia.com

Just the other day, I wrote about the threat of crashing the International Space Station, our beacon of humanity in space, into our planet here.

Today, I learned of the next, well, controversial statements from the leader of Roscosmos (the Russian Federation’s space agency).

OneWeb, a British company that’s creating a satellite-based internet coverage system, used Roscosmos rockets exclusively to launch their satellites into Earth orbit.

The next launch was scheduled for March 5.

But from one day to another, they found themselves confronted with a whole new layer of requirements they must meet (as paying customers!) to make that launch happen.

OneWeb shall guarantee that their satellites won’t be used for military purposes and the British government (who’s a major shareholder) shall sell all its shares.

What’s more: The British, U. S. and Japanese flags that had been painted onto the designated rocket, have been covered up because it would make the rocket “look more beautiful”.

These developments just make me sad. And you too, I hope.

Because negative feelings can fuel change.

Although this makes me wonder: Which negative feelings are those people dealing with at the moment?

The ones that are thinking up and/or executing and/or supporting the aforementioned actions.

What has happened to them that they’ve come to feel so extremely about people and institutions in other places that they do such things?

I mean, let’s shed a bit of extra light on this: What are they doing, effectively?

They are destroying passion projects!

So many people are united by their passion for space, their vision to achieve something memorable, lasting, benefitting.

They’ve worked on a certain project for years, longed for it to happen and now its being grounded, halted and no one can say when, how or if it’s going to happen at all!

In Ukraine, lives are lost, existences are destroyed for the sake of politics.

There’s nothing to add to that.

But to me it seems, there’s also a war inside people’s heads going on.

A war that raises questions (again) of:

Who is better/the best?

Who is more powerful?

Who is friend and foe?

Where is my place?

Which side should I choose?

The answers are simple:

Everyone is sometimes better than someone else and sometimes not. Even the best can hold this top spot for only so long.

The one with the better arguments is more powerful (at a given time under certain circumstances, see above).

We have to make an effort and get to know each other. This way, everyone can become a friend and we don’t need any foes.

Your place is among humans.

Choose the side of humanity.

I know I’m asking a lot of you here. Nobody ever claimed life among humans was easy. It requires consistent effort. But only if we try to keep trying every single day will we move forward.

And let’s keep in mind: The human body is designed to move, not to stand still.

Let’s move on. Together. United by our passions. We owe it to ourselves.

Source:

Humanity
Space
Future
War
Illumination
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