If somebody had told me when I was in graduate school, 'Brian, in 35 years you'll get a chance to fly the first commercial spacecraft with no computers,' I'd have said, 'I don't think so. People are not going to be that stupid.'

Brian Binnie's quote humorously reflects his surprise and skepticism at the idea of flying a commercial spacecraft without the use of computers, something that seemed implausible to him during his graduate school years. He expresses disbelief at the notion that, decades later, such a technological step backward could even be considered, considering the importance of computers in the advancement of space travel. His remark underscores the high expectations he had for the role of technology in space exploration and the growing reliance on computers in every aspect of modern life.

The origin of the quote comes from Binnie’s experience as a test pilot for Scaled Composites, particularly his involvement with SpaceShipOne, the first privately funded spacecraft to reach space. In his statement, Binnie reflects on how far spacecraft technology had progressed over the years, only to eventually return to a situation where, ironically, the spacecraft he was flying lacked the sophisticated computers one might expect in a commercial space flight.

Binnie’s statement also reveals a tension between innovation and the unexpected challenges or decisions that can arise in the development of new technology. The reference to flying without computers highlights the contrast between the highly advanced technology used in early space missions and the more unconventional or experimental approaches to space travel in the commercial era. Despite the advancements, Binnie was still surprised by the use of a technology-free approach for such an ambitious mission.

Ultimately, Binnie's quote illustrates the unpredictable nature of technological evolution and space exploration. It shows that even someone as deeply involved in the field of aviation and spacecraft development as Binnie could never have anticipated the changes that would come in the years following his graduate school days. The quote captures his astonishment at the direction in which the industry was heading and serves as a reminder of how technology’s role in space exploration is constantly evolving.