Space exploration

Not much makes me emotional (tears), but space exploration is an exception. I am so sad that the NASA budget has become a minor expense over the past 40 years since landing on the moon replaced by wars and stupid social programs. Rather than go on about how tragic I think the low funding to both robotic and manned exploration is, I am posting a link to the little engines that could on Mars "Spirit" and "Opportunity". They were supposed to last a few months. They are still going 5 years later.

http://marsrovers.nasa.gov/overview/

If you're interested here are some more missions:
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/current/

My salute to the men and women that have, do, and will continue exploration of space robotically and in person.

I think letting nasa decline, and putting up with its' managerial failures, is going to figure in this countrys' epitaph.

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Jay Woodward
Snohomish, WA
'90 Mazdog Frankenprotege
Chronologically, 46...

Original goal was to get them to go 44 meters in a single day. Spirit's gone 4.8 miles, Opportunity 9.82. Pretty impressive.

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Grant Hughes

I agree Jay!

I wonder if the NASA organization has just run it's life span. Maybe it's time to let it die?

I am amazed at how far some of the privateers have come, despite the horrible red tape they face. The Ansari prize was a great thing. I like to follow Armadillo Aerospace. I really think that they could be flying a manned vehicle if it wasn't for the FAA.

Jens,

The Mars rovers are a bright spot in recent NASA history. I am always happy to hear that they are still going!

In general I think that the American people and their representatives have forgotten that exploration will always be dangerous. We need to accept that fact and not let it stop us in any way. The men and women who risk their lives don't have a problem with it. Often the unforeseen gets people hurt. That's part of pushing into the unknown. My problem is when stupidity and or bureaucracy kills people.

Robert.

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Robert.

"You are way too normal to be on Rally Anarchy." Eddie Fiorelli.

I watch ever lift off and landing i can. I even divo'd the space walks for the Hubble repair mission.

What does the FAA have to say about space vehicles? Private citizens cannot possess them? Or do they just have to have crazy to get government clearance?

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Welcome to the cult of JVL drink the koolaid or be banned.

Jens Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Not much makes me emotional (tears), but space
> exploration is an exception. I am so sad that the
> NASA budget has become a minor expense over the
> past 40 years since landing on the moon replaced
> by wars and stupid social programs. Rather than
> go on about how tragic I think the low funding to
> both robotic and manned exploration is, I am
> posting a link to the little engines that could on
> Mars "Spirit" and "Opportunity". They were
> supposed to last a few months. They are still
> going 5 years later.
>
>
>
> If you're interested here are some more missions:
>
>
> My salute to the men and women that have, do, and
> will continue exploration of space robotically and
> in person.
>
>
We thought YOU were only going to last 5 months but you're still going 5 years later!
>
>
>
>
>
>

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Gone fishing

Dazed_Driver Wrote:
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> What does the FAA have to say about space
> vehicles? Private citizens cannot possess them? Or
> do they just have to have crazy to get government
> clearance?
>

hellz yeah, imagine the rally yumps on the moon?


talk about a 'rich mans sport'. LOL

Entry Fee: $5.0M

Recce: $1.2M

Tow: $2.8B

Lodging: $500K/night

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Jon Burke - KI6LSW
Blog: http://psgrallywrx.blogspot.com/

Timm,

You need a launch license to fly through the FAA's airspace on your way out of the atmosphere.

Robert.

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Robert.

"You are way too normal to be on Rally Anarchy." Eddie Fiorelli.