Virgin Galactic Faces Backlash for Carrying Ancient Human Fossils into Space
Last week, Virgin Galactic made headlines once again as it successfully completed another flight to the edge of space. However, it was not the passengers on board the VSS Unity that caused controversy, but rather the ancient human fossils that accompanied them. Reports have revealed that archaeologists worldwide are outraged that one of the passengers carried precious ancient human remains on the flight.
The fossils taken on board the VSS Unity included specimens from Australopithecus well and Homo star, two ancient-human species that lived millions of years ago. These fossils were discovered near Johannesburg in South Africa by teams led by renowned archaeologist Lee Berger. Interestingly, it was Berger himself who obtained permission from the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) to export the fossils for their journey to space. Tim Nash, a South African businessman and one of the passengers on the Unity, carried the fossils during the flight.
According to Berger’s request, the purpose of taking these ancient human fossils into space was to draw attention to science, exploration, human origins, and South Africa. While the stunt may have garnered attention, archaeologists argue that it put the irreplaceable remains at risk and could have led to the loss of crucial reference points for the respective species. One of the concerned factors is that the shoulder bone of Australopithecus well taken into space is the very first fossil of its kind ever discovered, making it an invaluable reference for understanding the species.
Had the flight not been successful, the potential consequences could have been catastrophic. Not only would lives have been lost, but ancient history would have also vanished. This is not the first time ancient fossils have been sent into space, as dinosaur remains have previously been taken out of Earth’s atmosphere. Nevertheless, archaeologists feel justified in their outrage, stressing the importance of preserving these relics for future scientific study and human understanding.
It is essential to remember the significance of such artifacts not only for the field of archaeology but also for our ability to comprehend our origins as a species. Preserving these delicate remnants is crucial as they provide valuable insight into humanity’s past. Virgin Galactic’s recent flight serves as a reminder that preservation and respect for ancient relics should remain a top priority, even in the midst of exciting technological advancements and space exploration.