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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Nicola Davis Science correspondent

Royal Society right to keep Elon Musk as member, says new astronomer royal

Prof Michele Dougherty
Asked if she thought Musk remaining a fellow of the Royal Society was the correct outcome, Dougherty said: ‘Yes, I do.’ Photograph: Amanda Clark/Cabinet Office

The Royal Society was right to keep Elon Musk as a fellow, the UK’s new astronomer royal has said, adding there was a benefit to the private sector playing a role in space exploration.

Speaking to the Guardian after becoming the first woman to hold the 350-year-old position, the planetary scientist Prof Michele Dougherty said she had not been involved in the meetings around Musk’s fellowship, but that she supported the academy’s stance.

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