I worked in transportation and propulsion technology. The answer is, there ain't nothin' else for now. Gasoline is easily obtained, easily converted to tractive force, and has high specific energy. If it didn't exist, we would have to invent it. You will find nothing less "dangerous" than nuclear, oil, or coal technology. It is reliable, capable, and efficient. (Horses can kick you in the head, you know.) Nothing "primitive" about rocket engines of today---especially since you know of nothing better.
Cancer cures? You want everything all at once? Go find one. Obviously, from your perspective, no one is looking. At least we are learning about the environmental circumstances that are correlated with cancer. Meanwhile, people are shortening their lives with alcoholism, induced diabetes, and drug addiction.
What "advanced off-planet civilizations"? We're having a hard enough time trying to become an advanced on-planet civilization.
I worked in transportation and propulsion technology. The answer is, there ain't nothin' else for now. Gasoline is easily obtained, easily converted to tractive force, and has high specific energy. If it didn't exist, we would have to invent it. You will find nothing less "dangerous" than nuclear, oil, or coal technology. It is reliable, capable, and efficient. (Horses can kick you in the head, you know.) Nothing "primitive" about rocket engines of today---especially since you know of nothing better.
Cancer cures? You want everything all at once? Go find one. Obviously, from your perspective, no one is looking. At least we are learning about the environmental circumstances that are correlated with cancer. Meanwhile, people are shortening their lives with alcoholism, induced diabetes, and drug addiction.
What "advanced off-planet civilizations"? We're having a hard enough time trying to become an advanced on-planet civilization.