Space Exploration

[PerrySimm]

We've had brief chats about Space Exploration concerning Cassini, but perhaps a wider-ranging thread would be helpful. I try to stay current on space news, but I also don't stay glued to JSR, either, so a lot slips through the cracks.

What are the latest and greatest in rockets, satellites, space probes, and human missions? What are your favourite moments or data returns from history?

I'm also keen on the policy aspects of Space Exploration. Are we spending enough tax dollars on national space agencies? Should nations set a target of 1.2% of GDP to spend on outer space? What role should private firms like SpaceX should play exploring our solar system?

[lsgreg]

I have a subscription to SciShow Space on Youtube. I am kinda excited about the Continuation of New Horizons after the Pluto observations. It was just activated because they decided to change the trajectory to observe a newly discovered Kuiper belt object MU69.

[The Romulan Republic]

I am a strong supporter of space exploration, both scientific study and full-scale colonization, and I consider the sorry state of our national space program (underfunded and lacking in direction and ambition*) to be one of America's biggest shames that doesn't involve bigotry and/or civil rights violations.

I very much see humanity's future (if it has one past the next few generations) as being a multi-planet civilization.

*To be clear, I don't blame NASA for this at all. I blame apathy and ignorance both from the general public, and from at least two generations of national politicians (with perhaps a few exceptions), from both major parties.

[Admiral X]

The problem is that both the major political parties in the US would rather spend the money on something else. And even if you go with the smaller parties that never much win anything, they tend to either want the funding go to something else, or for private companies to take over space stuff, in spite of the fact there's no real reason for them to beyond novelty tourism, or to act on a government contract, which would bump up against that idea Libertarianism has against government being involved in it to begin with, which comes up against their "taxation is theft" stance anyway.

[Darth Wedgius]

I'm old enough to remember Voyagers 1 and 2. I somehow missed Voyager 6... Anyway, I'm going to call their results my favorite data returns.

As far as the 1.2%, I dislike having a fixed allotment of GDP to work with, even as a general and flexible goal. As a baseline for what we're willing to spend on space exploration alone, leaving aside things like launch vehicle development, near-space infrastructure, and the like, OK.

[Robovski]

I remember Voyager 1 passing Jupiter on TV as a small boy, it was very interesting but a bit beyond me. The later Voyager Saturn encounters were better for me as I was just that bit more aware.

[The Romulan Republic]

The problem is that both the major political parties in the US would rather spend the money on something else. And even if you go with the smaller parties that never much win anything, they tend to either want the funding go to something else, or for private companies to take over space stuff, in spite of the fact there's no real reason for them to beyond novelty tourism, or to act on a government contract, which would bump up against that idea Libertarianism has against government being involved in it to begin with, which comes up against their "taxation is theft" stance anyway.

Its frustrating, because the space program is actually something that offers a lot to both Democrats and Republicans. Democrats get a jobs/infrastructure program (a really major investment in space infrastructure would employ a lot of people), scientific/environmental research, and education. Republicans get national pride and national security benefits, and juicy business contracts for their corporate donors in the military-industrial complex (a benefit some Democrats would appreciate as well, unfortunately).

Really, both sides stand to gain a lot from a major investment in space. And yet they ignore it.

[PerrySimm]

The Apollo 11 CM is going on a four-city tour.

[phantom000]

Here is something to watch over the next few months.

http://www.foxnews.com/science/2017/10/ ... warns.html

Who knows, it might be coming down in your backyard!

[TGLS]

Counterpoint: http://www.galactanet.com/comic/view.php?strip=288