BECAUSE IT’S THE ONLY WAY TO GET ANYWHERE: Analysis: Why Companies Such as Virgin Galactic and Orbital Take Risks and Endure Losses. In the 1950s and 1960s we were losing test pilots all the time. But we — and the pilots — thought it was worth it to advance flight technology. They were right then, and it’s right now.

And for those seriously interested, let me recommend Rand Simberg’s book, Safe Is Not An Option. Here’s my interview with Rand, and here’s one by Ed Driscoll.