Space Exploration - Page 3

Scucca · 06-06-08, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UtahBill

I would hope that the cost would be spread around the world, to those countries that can contribute....

So would I. Indeed, one may argue that the previous use of military R&D has encouraged unnatural barriers to cross-country co-operation.

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But from what I hear, we already have most of the technology in place, when it comes to equipment.

Could you enlarge on that? That would suggest that we would be on a hiding to nothing, but I'm not convinced of that (although I'm no scientist)

Tashah · 06-07-08, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scucca

Technical progress is a "pressing need". The complexities of a manned mission would widen the opportunities of delivering that progress. I don't see it as waste (particularly for the EU, given it would lead to more effective non-military expenditure)

Excellent point Scucca. Nothing ventured is nothing gained.

UtahBill · 06-07-08, 07:33 AM

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Originally Posted by Tashah

Excellent point Scucca. Nothing ventured is nothing gained.

That is the theory many of us use when playing the lottery.

UtahBill · 06-07-08, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scucca

Could you enlarge on that? That would suggest that we would be on a hiding to nothing, but I'm not convinced of that (although I'm no scientist)

We can already send robots to Mars, so getting equipment there doesn't seem to be a problem. The time to make the trip, tho, is very long, and for us humans, space is not a friendly place. The weightlessness and radiation exposure will take a toll. I suppose someone will volunteer, tho.

Scucca · 06-07-08, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UtahBill

We can already send robots to Mars, so getting equipment there doesn't seem to be a problem. The time to make the trip, tho, is very long, and for us humans, space is not a friendly place. The weightlessness and radiation exposure will take a toll.

Your reply refers to the different problems faced by a manned flight. Such differences provide the opportunities for technical progress.

tryreading · 06-08-08, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scucca

The US, compared to her Western cousins, has been reliant on military R&D to ensure technological progress and therefore growth. However, the opportunities are disappearing, with the innovation increasing focused on finding military use for civilian technologies.

To what extent can the US maintain her technological progress levels by shifting from military expenditure to expenditure on space exploration?

The shuttle program has focused our exploration on a very limited scope, in my opinion. We should have a moon base, and probes should be crawling out in all directions by now.

This site lists some of the benefits from space exploration:

NASA spinoffs, space benefits, space history, NASA space spinoffs, NASA technology products

Scucca · 06-08-08, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tryreading

The shuttle program has focused our exploration on a very limited scope, in my opinion. We should have a moon base, and probes should be crawling out in all directions by now.

I'd have to agree, although I do think its the military side that has weakened US policy

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This site lists some of the benefits from space exploration:

NASA spinoffs, space benefits, space history, NASA space spinoffs, NASA technology products

Cheers!