[whatever1]

Last time I checked in Europe 80% of the gas price was taxes.

Last time that I checked in the US up to 30% of the fuel price was paid for RINS, aka renewable energy certificates.

So yes we do pay for sustainability. Unlike the billionaire explorers.

[inglor_cz]

Space research and development is a huge part of sustainability. It is literally our only chance to move some polluting industries off Earth, at least long term. (I do not expect to see it happening in my lifetime.)

Reusable rockets are a huge progress in space research. People long thought them outright impossible or impractical. And aside from SpaceX, no one has them yet.

ESA's model of throwing away the entire Ariane at each launch is the very opposite of sustainable. It is an expensive waste of money propped up by French military interests.

(Not that the ULA, the Russians or the Chinese do something different.)

[rpmisms]

> And aside from SpaceX, no one has them yet.

I agree with you generally, but Rocket Lab in NZ is also reusing rockets.