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| Science & Technology |
| Buzz Aldrin to NASA: U.S. Space Policy Is on the Wrong Track |
| 2009-06-26 |
| Instead, we should stretch out the six remaining shuttle flights to 2015—one per year. Sure, that will cost money, but we can more than make up for it by canceling the troubled Ares I. In its place, we should use the old reliable Delta IV Heavy or the Atlas V satellite launchers, upgraded for human flight. (It won’t take much.) Then fast-track the Orion to fly on a Delta IV or Atlas V as soon as possible. NASA should also step up its Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program to subsidize private rockets like the SpaceX Falcon 9, which could make its first flight any time now. SpaceX is also developing the Dragon capsule to fly seven astronauts to the space station. In the short term, some combination of an extended shuttle schedule and a new Orion/Delta, Orion/Atlas or Dragon/Falcon would fill the gap and give us the kind of continuity and flexibility we had during the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs. In the meantime, we need to develop new strategies, new launch vehicles and new spacecraft for the years beyond 2015 to bring us to the threshold of Mars. |
| Posted by:3dc |
| #6 It would sure be nice if we could put that neighborhood fusion reactor to better use. It's just 8 minutes away. |
| Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 2009-06-26 21:45 |
| #5 I think it's imperative to establish a Mars colony, ASAP, in the absence of a credible anti-comet strategy. One big rock, and poof! Good-bye human race. |
| Posted by: Scooter McGruder 2009-06-26 17:14 |
| #4 The whole manned spaceflight thing is a waste of money at the moment IMHO. |
| Posted by: Bright Pebbles 2009-06-26 15:29 |
| #3 Oops. "On the other hand" |
| Posted by: tipover 2009-06-26 11:19 |
| #2 Mr Aldrin didn't mention the funding source for these dreams. On the other had I would rather spend billions on HIS dreams than where Obama has been spending them. |
| Posted by: tipover 2009-06-26 11:18 |
| #1 Space is wonderful thing. I know, I spent most of my life working in the field. However the one thing I have learned is that space per se, other than the odd exploratory probe (which I favor), will amount to nothing until a profit is to be made. Which it surely will someday. Government subsidies are all well and fine but are fickle as all get out. So, Buzz, show us how to make a profit and there will be no stopping us. Until then you are blowing in the wind. |
| Posted by: Kelly 2009-06-26 11:10 |