Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
1 February 2010
16:3339334Well well, what a surprise, and anybody who knows me both from either family or workmates, will know exactly what I said before the American presidential elections, that Bush`s plans for a return to the moon, was just a load of vote grabbing Crap, and `read all about it`, it`s all true. The current president who`s name escapes me, (Obam?) is due to announce shortly the cutback plans. I wish the Chinese, Indian, Japanese or any other country with a space programme, the very best of luck in their quest to move out from this planet, and boldly go where no American has gone before. The future of our species is out there. By the way, if you`re thinking of costs, another war tomorrow and they`ll soon find the money. Current American history will not go down well with future space historians. Any views? And please note I`m never offended by other people`s views, regardless of my own.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Guest 686- Registered: 5 May 2009
- Posts: 556
1 February 2010
17:4739341I think you may find this being opened up to the commercial sector as well. Branson & Co. might consider the moon as their next tourist market once they've got their shuttle thing working and paying its way.
As for the U.S., I'm not particularly surprised considering the current economic climate. Does it really matter which nation goes exploring in space as long as someone does?
Phil West
If at first you don't succeed, use a BIGGER hammer!!
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
1 February 2010
19:1739351the president has to get it through congress yet.
senators in some states particularly texas will fight it tooth and nail, so many jobs there rely on the space programme.
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
1 February 2010
19:3539353Thank you Phil and need alot more of Branson`s calibre in this world, with his forward vision. Regarding does it matter which country, it would be better if it was the American`s I think, as they have all the hardware, expertise, experience and money. I thought back in the 70s how great it would be if the Russians and Americans worked together to reduce costs. But of course, with that, it did happen but then the competition was lost. Stagnation set in. The SETI programme cost pennies Howard, and yet through just one thick empty headed senator, the programme was cancelled. It is now run by private enterprise, of which I`m a member.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
2 February 2010
11:1839414I think you need to read the FULL announcement as it contains details of EXTRA funding for NASA to help them outsource future space program work, and to focus on propulsion systems. President Obama has got it absolutely right in how best to fund space technology and progress.
Do not waste money doing what has already been done, let Branson et al make that into the tourist haven they envisage, while the State focusses on how to crack long distance space travel.
This is a good plan and long overdue.
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
2 February 2010
13:3839420Thank you Sid. I should know better than to jump straight into a media headline till I`ve read something from a more authoritative source.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
2 February 2010
17:2239437I think this is particularly sad as wasn't it the same commander that fought the Cylons so bravely? Does this mean we wont be able to escape the enemy in future.
Anyway i have a film which shows explicitly that ten years ago Gerry anderson had developed a base on the moon.....
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
2 February 2010
17:3239440Sorry David, I`ve lost you here mate.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Guest 675- Registered: 30 Jun 2008
- Posts: 1,610
2 February 2010
17:5039445Learn more at nine tonight on Sky One.
Maybe we are just seeing the ultimate in privatisation as the space programme is put out to tender.
Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong.
Richard Armour
2 February 2010
17:5539450Moon dust, anyone?
Guest 641- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,335
2 February 2010
18:1939455Nice one David, I believe the series included scantily clad females, but I couldn't possibly comment
2 February 2010
18:2239457My reference was to two series
Certainly Moonbase Alpha was well established then despite health and safety considerations.
And Lorne Green was playing the President with a different title Commander?
Guest 686- Registered: 5 May 2009
- Posts: 556
3 February 2010
00:4739496The science and engineering of getting to the moon (and beyond) is well proven now. The main problem is the cost of getting off the ground in the first place!
Phil West
If at first you don't succeed, use a BIGGER hammer!!
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
3 February 2010
10:3339509Apart from the industrial revolution, there have been two other big leaps in the progress of our species as far as technology is concerned. Unfortunatly, both after 2 world wars, which brings me to thinking that, if a hostile alien invasion was imminent, I suspect our technology would suddenly take an enormous leap. The science and possibilities are there, it needs something to kick start it. (And not a war!!). Yes you`re right Phil, biggest problem at the moment is the cost of getting off the ground a hell of alot cheaper.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.