Stan,
We may need to agree to disagree without prejudice on the "climate
change" business. But, I am totally in-camped with everything else you
succinctly shared. Please, let's just rocket on! I do like the
asteroid-mining idea.
Perhaps one day that old Space Shuttle "marketing" mock-up "Enterprise"
still might yet see the stars in some other form or fashion.....
Yes, am a card-carrying old grey Trekkie...to the bitter end..... :)
Duncan
swzaske wrote:
Without the resources of space, our species is doomed and the return to
the Moon by 2020 is the next logical step after the completion of the
ISS early next year. I just hope that Obama isn't as stupid as previous
Democratic leads in sharply curtailing funds. They always say that the
money could be better spent on problems down here (blah, blah, blah)
completely missing the point. Our problems down here can't be solved
without the vast energy and nearly unlimited material resources of the
Solar System. If America doesn't lead, the Chinese, Indians, Japanese,
Russians, EU and others will leave us to die a slow death here in
America. Mark my words, climate change will not be solved without a
manned presence in space either. One final point, the next time an
asteroid is on an impact course with Earth it would be child's play to
simply deflect it into orbit and start mining it for metal and
volatiles. Up there we can prevent that kind of catastrophe but not from
down here. Have a nice day Duncan.
DSinc wrote:
Stan,
I am too. I am very happy with how my small tax dollar share helps
this mission. I've listened to the 'Forward Hawks' complaining that
there is NOT ENOUGH going on to justify all the dollars spent so far.
To this line of thought, I say, "Bull Pucky!" Space is a very tough
environment IMO.
I also notice that most/all of these detractors who seem to want all
manner of stuff to happen soon/now, are all so young and mostly
well-educated. I do not fault this; I just hear it as so much noise.
I am old enough to recall in detail all the early days of Mercury,
Gemini, Apollo, and now Shuttle. While I may think sometimes that NASA
is too cautious and bureaucratic, well, I am happy with where we are
ATM. I'm still very jazzed on the whole thing! Even, knowing that I
may never set foot on the ISS or the Moon! Just my bad luck over time.
(well this and ~$20 for a ride in Soyuz!) Nothing to cry about. With
fast xdsl, a good link, and a good panel, I still get to watch and
feel like I am part of the grand adventure!
JMHO.
Best,
Duncan
swzaske wrote:
Very cool stuff, I love what we've accomplished up there.
DSinc wrote:
Here, but watching the shuttle and space station business.
Duncan
swzaske wrote:
Guys I haven't seen any posts since last Thursday. Is the list
alright? Is anybody out there?
