NASA's Constellation/Orion program shot down

[All-American]

http://blog.al.com/space-news/2010/02/post_34.html
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/7...kets.html?pg=1

Probably the right call, frankly. I like space and I want us to keep going there, but this program was basically a reversion back to Apollo, the success of which was dependent upon a political environment wherein we were willing to spend whatever we needed to in order to succeed. Apollo ended because it was klunky and expensive. Going back to Apollo is not the way to continue to advance in space.

On the other hand, this puts the US Space program on precarious ground. We are now at the point where a private entity has to step in and do what NASA could not-- find an economically viable way into space.

[FMCoug]

What a disappointing thread. I was hoping something had actually been shot down with a missile or something. Let the Star Wars begin!

[dabrockster]

http://blog.al.com/space-news/2010/02/post_34.html
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/7...kets.html?pg=1

Probably the right call, frankly. I like space and I want us to keep going there, but this program was basically a reversion back to Apollo, the success of which was dependent upon a political environment wherein we were willing to spend whatever we needed to in order to succeed. Apollo ended because it was klunky and expensive. Going back to Apollo is not the way to continue to advance in space.

On the other hand, this puts the US Space program on precarious ground. We are now at the point where a private entity has to step in and do what NASA could not-- find an economically viable way into space.

Article speaking about the ramifications of the NASA program closing.. Looks to pay a hefty price on the economy there with the loss of job in the 23,000 range (Projected)..

Sounds like this city/county is going to become similar to a mining town..


Link:
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/...tle-retirement

[Uncle Ted]

On the other hand, this puts the US Space program on precarious ground. We are now at the point where a private entity has to step in and do what NASA could not-- find an economically viable way into space.

All-American saw this one coming...

SpaceX CEO claims he can send you on a round-trip to Mars for $500K

Your dream of visiting the Red Planet may soon come true if the claim made by Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, actually comes to fruition. The commercial space travel entrepreneur told the BBC in an interview that he’s figured out how to send a person on a round-trip journey to Mars and back, and that it could be ready in as little as ten years. The best part? Musk says that the “average person” could afford the trip since it will only cost $500,000. I’m not sure which average person he means, but you can bet I am going to be getting a second job for the next ten years to try to make it!

Known for its Dragon spacecraft that has been awarded the contract to make resupply trips to the International Space Station, SpaceX certainly seems capable of dreaming up a low-cost method of visiting Mars. The principle behind all of its vehicles is total re-usability; every single system must be able to be serviced and pressed back into operation. This is to cut down on the already astronomical cost of space flight (pun intended), making it more affordable for private companies to conduct missions into the heavens. The company’s main goal is to eliminate the equipment cost for space travel, leaving fuel as the only financial burden.

[...]

It seems NASA's glory days are over.

[All-American]

All-American saw this one coming...

SpaceX CEO claims he can send you on a round-trip to Mars for $500K



It seems NASA's glory days are over.

Huh. I had no idea this company existed. Looks like they are already going to space.

http://news.cnet.com/2300-19514_3-10011707.html

[BYUMizzou]

The fact is that although Obama tried to shut down these programs, it never happened. My brother in law is an engineer with NASA in Huntsville, Alabama. He was working on the Constellation project when Obama decided to de-fund it. Within a matter of a few months they were working on a new "SLS" (Space Launch System) that essentially took most of the components of the Constellation project and the Ares rockets. They just have new names now.

[Uncle Ted]

The fact is that although Obama tried to shut down these programs, it never happened. My brother in law is an engineer with NASA in Huntsville, Alabama. He was working on the Constellation project when Obama decided to de-fund it. Within a matter of a few months they were working on a new "SLS" (Space Launch System) that essentially took most of the components of the Constellation project and the Ares rockets. They just have new names now.

I am curious what your BIL would say about what SpaceX is doing and if they really could fly someone to Mars for $500K.

[BYUMizzou]

I am curious what your BIL would say about what SpaceX is doing and if they really could fly someone to Mars for $500K.

I'll see him at Easter and ask him.

[Indy Coug]

I am curious what your BIL would say about what SpaceX is doing and if they really could fly someone to Mars for $500K.

Getting someone to Mars is the cheap part. The sticker shock comes from the return trip.

[Uncle Ted]

Getting someone to Mars is the cheap part. The sticker shock comes from the return trip.

The plan is to put a gas station on Mars...

The same theory applies to Musk’s current claim about Mars, with one interesting exception: He says that he’s come up with a way to refuel the spacecraft while on the surface of the fourth rock from the Sun. This would eliminate the need for the space vehicle to carry the fuel for the return trip home, making it lighter and therefore cheaper to launch it into space. Musk hasn’t elaborated on how he proposes to create a fuel source from the surface of Mars, but he plans on revealing more later this year.

[Indy Coug]

The plan is to put a gas station on Mars...

Wind power. http://www.neatorama.com/2012/03/08/dust-devil-on-mars/

[Jeff Lebowski]

Sending a manned flight to Mars is a colossal waste of money. Unmanned flight is the best bang for the buck.

[Moliere]

Sending a manned flight to Mars is a colossal waste of money. Unmanned flight is the best bang for the buck.

Depends. If you are the guy that first walks on the surface of Mars you'll never need another pick up line in your life....ever.

[Uncle Ted]

Wind power. http://www.neatorama.com/2012/03/08/dust-devil-on-mars/

Yeah, that would get Obama to throw some money at it.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Depends. If you are the guy that first walks on the surface of Mars you'll never need another pick up line in your life....ever.

And that is the only reason to do it. Vanity. Narcissism. Etc.