He has too much money and time....
He is working a problem.
So?
Please don't be so harsh on the man. He didn't just think this up out of the blue. From the article:
Lovelock's attempt is being made as part of an international contest, the Microtransat Challenge, to become the first to send an unmanned from south of Ireland to the Bahamas.
So you see, it's all in the name of science and competition.
Here's the competition website for more information: http://www.microtransat.org/
“He has too much money and time”
yes obviously he should be spending HIS money on beer and pizza
He's retired, he's using his own money, and the equivalent of $720 dollars over 4 years is not a lot of money for a hobby that brings one enjoyment and satisfaction.