Through history you will find people who will throw themselves into something like this regardless of the meaning or relevance of the mission. The results secondary to the effort.
People who take that extra step as a matter of course and a way of life.
Rangers, Airborne, SF types and others.
Pretty sure the guys flying those missions were well aware of the physical insignificance and results way ahead of taking off. Point is they volunteered, did it, and rode it out.
Fortunate that I got to spend some years in the company of guys like that.
The saying goes something like "Don't mourn these men, just be thankful they once existed."
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