Escape Velocity 2019

In the science fiction film Elysium starring Matt Damon, Earth’s wealthiest 0.1% move to the ultimate gated community, an orbiting space colony, leaving a poverty stricken humanity to fend for themselves on a ravaged planet. In our modern reality, it is the 0.1% who are financing the development of spaceships and technologies that could make just such a scenario possible. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson and the others leading what we call the 'space revolution' are spending billions of their own money to support a human breakout into space. Rick will discuss why we aren't destined for the Elysium future, what is being done to help ensure that space is open to all humanity, and how the resources of space can ultimately save the Earth.