New Astronomer Royal Backs Elon Musk’s Royal Society Membership, Praises Private Space Sector
Professor Michele Dougherty, the first woman to be appointed the UK’s Astronomer Royal in 350 years, has voiced her support for the Royal Society’s decision to retain Elon Musk as a fellow.1 Dougherty, a distinguished planetary scientist, stated that the original reasons for Musk’s fellowship — his contributions to the space and electric vehicle industries — remain valid.2
Musk’s fellowship, granted in 2018, has faced scrutiny from some scientists who argued he violated the academy’s code of conduct.3 Despite these concerns, including correspondence from the Royal Society suggesting he consider resigning, Musk did not respond, and the society opted against further action. Dougherty, while not directly involved in those meetings, affirmed her agreement with the outcome.
Beyond the specific case of Elon Musk, Professor Dougherty expressed an “upbeat” view on the growing involvement of the private sector in space exploration.4 She believes it significantly accelerates advancements in instrumentation and launches, a pace that would be much slower with only government funding.5 She particularly lauded innovations like SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology, describing it as “spectacular.”6
However, Dougherty also hopes for more “joined up thinking” regarding the overall focus and direction of space exploration efforts.7
A Life of Exploration: From Saturn’s Moons to Jupiter, and Beyond
While Mars is a clear target for space agencies like NASA and ESA, Professor Michele Dougherty, the UK’s new Astronomer Royal, admits she’s never felt the urge to go to space herself. “I’ve never wanted to be an astronaut. I’m not brave enough,” she said, preferring to explore through the instruments she sends out.
Dougherty’s career reflects this passion for robotic exploration. She played a key role in the Cassini mission, which offered unprecedented insights into Saturn. Her magnetometer measurements were crucial to discovering plumes of water vapor and ice erupting from Saturn’s moon Enceladus, hinting at its potential habitability.
Currently, Dougherty serves as the principal investigator for the magnetometer on ESA’s Juice mission, now en route to Jupiter. This mission will study the gas giant and three of its moons, including Europa, another strong candidate for harboring life due to its suspected ice-covered, salty ocean.
Dougherty, who grew up in South Africa, explained that the discovery of bacteria thriving in Earth’s extreme deep-ocean environments reshaped the search for extraterrestrial life. “That’s the kind of life form that I would be very surprised if we are not able to find elsewhere in our solar system,” she mused, clarifying she wasn’t talking about “little green men.”
In her new role, Dougherty hopes to engage the public, especially children, with the excitement of scientific discovery. “I see humankind as explorers,” she stated. “I think when we stop exploring, we would have lost a little bit of ourselves.”
Honestly, this whole thing is just a media stunt, they don’t care about the science.
I wonder if this decision was actually influenced by his recent tech breakthroughs or pure politics.
Wow, I didnt see that coming! Elon out, Elon in, what a fascinating decision from the royal society!
Haha, maybe the Royal Society is just playing safe, they don’t want to lose their popularity.
Honestly, I dont trust Musk with their reputation, he can be reckless sometimes.
Seems like a good move, Elon have been pushing the boundaries in tech and spacetravel.
I think they just want to keep the big names around, Elon is just another pawn in the game.
What a goood choice! Elon Musk can continue to push the limits of our knowledge.
Finally some recognition for Musk, he has revolutionized the way we think about space technology.
Musk as a member? Yeah, that totally makes sense with all his recent space ventures.
Who cares about the royal society? They always do what is convenient for the tech giants.
Lol, this decision will probably backfire soon, Elon cant be trusted with that much influence.
Retaining Elon is a smart decision, his innovations are beneficial for science and human kind
I think they are just favoring big names instead of real scientific value.
Elon Musk is the best thing for science, his visions are inspiring even if they’re risky!