Space missions

Re: Bad Times Ahead for NASA Space Science

Hap — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 09:13:11 GMT

*Will work for beer, pizza, and sex"
It doesn't work, still looking for the right job...

Re: Bad Times Ahead for NASA Space Science

leightwing — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:29:08 GMT

Reinstated - Here too.

Re: Bad Times Ahead for NASA Space Science

french-astronomer — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 21:13:53 GMT

The Dawn mission is reinstated !
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2006/mar/HQ_06108_Dawn_reinstates.html

Re: Bad Times Ahead for NASA Space Science

starramus — Sat, 18 Mar 2006 21:18:04 GMT

pmshayley wrote:

assinine

What else would you expect from asses?

Space based weaponry? They have to cover all bases with the war on terror. No telling when we'll have "Moozlim terrists" rocketing around the solar system.

Our only salvation is to print up "Will work for space exploration" signs for NASA engineers to wave on freeway entrance ramps.

Re: Bad Times Ahead for NASA Space Science

pmshayley — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 14:27:34 GMT

The common theme of those articles is the cancellation of the Dawn program; it does seem rather assinine to just drop something so near completion. NASA claims that having to drop certain things gives them more money for the shuttle program. This brings up a few points: First, could NASA be pressuring the foreign science community, which has a hand or two in "Dawn", to pony up more funds? Second, as these budget cuts are for one year, is it possible the lost funds will be re-allocated next year? NASA made it a point to stress that the shuttle program is soaking up a lot of money, but surely that is mostly for the developement and building stages. Those funds could be freed up the next time around.

Two things concern me, however; one is that I am usually more critical of NASA, and for some reason I find myself defending their actions. I do not agree with the slashing of some programs, but this is what you get when you start insisting on exploration; getting to the moon or Mars has to be paid for somehow, and NASA is making it clear the piggy bank is empty and they do not like my "advertising on the sides of rockets" idea.

The other thing that bothers me is that NASA has not said anything about the future of these programs, like, "we'll make up for it next year", or, "hopefully the shuttles won't cost so much next time". No promises for the future of the programs being slashed.

And this announcement, right on the heels of Congress showing interest in space-based weaponry. Anyone else concerned?

Bad Times Ahead for NASA Space Science

DaveMitsky — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 11:31:49 GMT

Read 'em and weep.

http://skyandtelescope.com/news/article_1691_1.asp

http://www.space.com/news/060314_scientists_lpsc.html

http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00000492/

Dave Mitsky