Is space tourism a foolish distraction? This week, a Star Trek actor became the oldest person ever in space. But Prince William says we should focus on our own planet.
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Earth should come before space, says Prince
Is space tourism a foolish distraction? This week, a Star Trek actor became the oldest person ever in space. But Prince William says we should focus on our own planet.
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What's happening?
"Three, two, one - BLAST OFF!"
The rocket soared upwards. A few minutes later, it was in space.
On board was a special passenger. William Shatner was a celebrity guest. And he had just become the oldest person ever to travel into space.
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William Shatner became famous when he was in Star Trek. He played Captain Kirk, one of the main characters.
His trip made lots of fans angry. The show is set in a world where humans are at peace with other species. Everyone is equal.
But fans said the trip was not about equality. The company that sells the space trips is owned by Jeff Bezos, the richest man in the world. He has more money than Iceland, Luxembourg and Sri Lanka put together.
They are not the only ones to be upset. This week, Prince William announced the Earthshot Prize. It is a big award for finding ways to fight climate change. He said: "We need some of the world's great brains and minds fixed on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place."
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Is space tourism a foolish distraction?
Some say
Yes! Our planet provides everything we need to live. We can grow food, drink water and breathe air. It is more important to care for what we have. Global warming is a major challenge. Instead of trying to escape Earth, we should be trying to protect it.
Others think
No! Humans are natural explorers. We are curious and creative. The global population is growing, meaning we are running out of space on Earth. Moving into space is the obvious next step.
Earth should come before space, says Prince
