Constellation cancelled = UberEpic Fail. Yes orbo?

**gijoe1313** · 29th January 2010, 21:02

I'd be the first to sign up! Always fancied a wee pootle out into the vast realms of space, if ET is there and is hostile, I'd bet the technologies for space thing gummies would ratchet way up in importance. Mmm velcro, I do like that ...

**riffer** · 29th January 2010, 21:18

I grew up reading Robert Heinlein. I was obsessed with Space Travel, and built all the Airfix Apollo models (as well as countless airplanes as well).

I want us to go. So bad.

Old Rider's right. We can't afford not to. The United States was never as great as when it was leading the world in this way. I fear for them now.

**Motu** · 29th January 2010, 21:33

I'd love to check out Watto's place....I reckon I could find something there he doesn't know the value of.Space junk....I'd be in Heaven.

**Winston001** · 29th January 2010, 22:30

Gerry Pournelle said "I lived to see the first man walk on the moon. I never dreamed I'd also see the last one."

Space exploration is a no brainer for me and I'm sad we even have to discuss it.

The essential difference between man and the other animals is our heightened curiosity. We will go anywhere and try anything. Space beckons us just as the horizon drew Columbus, Magellan, and Marco Polo. What's out there....??

Earth is crowded. Like it or not we need another safe harbour for our gene pool. It's too risky having all humans confined to Earth.

The technology spinoffs of space exploration pay for the effort. Teflon is simply one example.

As for looking after our problems first? When in human history did problems not exist? This is not a valid argument.

So give us a link Ix to the discussion please, I'm curious.......

**Dadpole** · 30th January 2010, 00:27

Go outside, look up, then tell me you think we shouldn't go as far as we can.
Mankind is pre-wired to explore boundaries. Climb that mountain. Sail that sea. Leap into space.

**jonbuoy** · 30th January 2010, 04:27

How about some other countries put some money towards it? USA has teetered on the edge of financial oblivion over the last 5 years, seems like a smart idea to shelve it for a while. Until we make some breakthrough in propulsion technologies or warp technology what IS the point? There is nothing "locally" to harvest resources or colonize. If the moon had a core of precious metal or unobtainium maybe it would be worth it.

**marty** · 30th January 2010, 05:53

some bikers are whinging that $200 is too much to pay for an entry fee. Let alone squillions for space travel. I reckon the world should spend whatever it takes to go to space

**peasea** · 30th January 2010, 06:09

I think we should send an expedition to Wales.

Mon.

**peasea** · 30th January 2010, 06:12

Originally Posted by Winston001

When in human history did problems not exist?
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Last Thursday afternoon, around 2.44pm. After that it all turned pear-shaped.

**Miscreant** · 30th January 2010, 06:51

Originally Posted by pzkpfw

Cancelling it all - that's a mistake.

At the very least there should be a long slow programme aimed at getting people, say, to Mars. Just something to keep the technologies ticking over, improving.

Yes, new technologies, like Velcro and Teflon frying pans both of which have revolutionized life on earth. I can't wait to see the next new technology we get from it.

**Macktheknife** · 30th January 2010, 07:39

Originally Posted by jonbuoy

How about some other countries put some money towards it? USA has teetered on the edge of financial oblivion over the last 5 years, seems like a smart idea to shelve it for a while. Until we make some breakthrough in propulsion technologies or warp technology what IS the point? There is nothing "locally" to harvest resources or colonize. If the moon had a core of precious metal or unobtainium maybe it would be worth it.

Actually there are plenty of other countries spending big money on space programs, China and Russia are leading the charge, but lots of smaller countries are joining together to improve their spending power and maximize human resources.

As for harvesting stuff, plenty of goodies out there. Helium3 is plentiful on the moon, and lots of other minerals and such to be found in the asteroid belts. There are even private companies spending billions working out how to bring them safely back to earth, for a huge profit of course!

And the propulsion technology is moving froward too, the VASIMR unit is scheduled for its first space test in 2013. This technology should cut the travel time to Mars from about 18 months, to just a few weeks! True it is not warp speed, or even light speed, but it's close!

But to answer the question, this decision is bordering on betrayal not only of those who went before, but those who would follow them. Millions of people all over the world have been inspired to do great things and become great innovators, all because of the space program. To suggest that manned space flight is irrelevant to modern life is an enormous lie, how many things that are now common were invented purely from finding the solutions to 'space problems'. Teflon, velcro, microchips, memory foam, adhesives, ceramics, ballistic protection, medical and dental breakthroughs, transportation, construction techniques, waste disposal and treatment, communication, weather forecasting, Olympic swim suit materials, food processing technology, water purification systems. The list is almost literally endless, of the benefits that the space program has bought to modern society, don't believe me check out this site...http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/tec.../spinoffs.html
Or any one of dozens of other sites that list the benefits of space.

The real benefits are huge and that is just what has come out so far, based on the current goals. We literally can't imagine how many more things would come from a space program with the goals of having a lunar base, or a 'colony on Mars' (or anywhere else for that matter). The possibilities are literally endless, so why on earth (pun intended) would anyone stop it? good question...

Maybe the prez just wants to build his 'legacy' on 'saving the planet' type stuff, while the occupants of it go quietly into the great darkness that will follow foolish political decisions.

**Taz** · 30th January 2010, 07:55

Once I perfect my gap drive travelling vast distances in space will be almost instantaneous. Any one willing to invest?

**tri boy** · 30th January 2010, 10:32

I lust after a Plymouth Satellite.

**AD345** · 30th January 2010, 10:52

Mack has pretty much nailed it.

The older generation (I exempt myself) just needs to get past all the years of sci-fi reading that portrayed the inevitability of the expolration of space being led by white males (primarily US types). The Chinese space program charges on ahead and they are rapidly developing the economic muscle to accelerate it. Couple that with a somewhat, mmm, phlegmatic, approach to safety and a Mars exploration should happen in what remains of my lifetime.

The American Century was nice while it lasted but it's pretty much done. Obama did what he had to for his country - which is the place he is accountable to after all.