A Japanese billionaire who is currently in space has responded to people who criticized him for spending millions of dollars on the trip.
Yusaku Maezawa said in an interview with the Associated Press that he realized how much it was worth when he was in space.
I believe that this amazing experience will lead to something else.
Those who criticize those who use their money to help people on Earth are perhaps those who have never been to space, Maezawa said.
He wouldn't say how much he paid for the trip, but he said the reports that he spent more than $80 million were accurate.
He acknowledged the steep price of space tourism and also noted the physical toll of the trip telling the AP: "Yes, it is still rather expensive, but it is not only about money."
Training for emergencies takes at least a few months and it takes time for your body to adjust.
It is only accessible to those who have time and can afford it. We don't know if that will be the case in 10 years or 20 years' time.
Maezawa went into space last week.
He shared videos of his training on the internet, which included him lying upside down on a bed and spinning quickly on a chair.
Maezawa is going to visit the moon with Musk.
