[mbpp]

Why does the safety of manned space flights get so much attention? Last time I checked the AIDS or malaria weren't cured. Perhaps those interested in fatality rates should divert their attention to Africa and give SpaceX more breathing space. It's not like there's going to be a shortage of astronauts.

Elon Musk: There must be some ability to experiment to advance the state of the art. In the early days of aviation there was a great deal of experimentation and a high death rate. We don't want that — the public would not be accepting — but by the same token we can't have a situation where no deaths are ever allowed, because that would put innovation in a coffin too. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-0801-mo...