Mission to Nowhere

Jewish World Review ^ | 1/8/04 | Anne Applebaum

[from occupied ga]

Mars, as a certain pop star once put it, isn't the kind of place where you'd want to raise your kids. Nor is it the kind of place anybody is ever going to visit, as some of the NASA scientists know perfectly well. Even leaving aside the cold, the lack of atmosphere and the absence of water, there's the deadly radiation. If the average person on Earth absorbs about 350 millirems of radiation every year, an astronaut traveling to Mars would absorb about 130,000 millirems of a particularly virulent form of radiation that would probably destroy every cell in his body. "Space is not 'Star Trek,' " said one NASA scientist, "but the public certainly doesn't understand that."

[from occupied ga]

Applebaum begins to get it a little bit, but why stop at pointing out the foolishness of taxpayer supported manned space flight? $820,000,000 and we have pictures of rocks and dust. $hit. We have deserts here with rocks and dust, but at least they have enough air to breath, and the temperature doesn't get cold enough to freeze CO₂ out of the atmosphere. The space program, NASA and it's related parasite industries are just another gaping maw into which vast amounts of taxpayers dollars are thrust and nothing but overpriced brummagem comes out. $820,000,000 for a few pictures of rocks and dust. What an absolute waste of resources of the people who were robbed at gunpoint to get the money. $820,000,000 that could have been used for things that people who actually created and earned the wealth wanted and needed.

BTW JWR links auto excerpt, so I didn't do it on purpose. I hate needless excerpting.

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[bonesmccoy]

Somehow you forgot that all that money was spent in the US to pay US workers...unlike all those consumer goods you bought at Walmart!

[stevem]

There are problems in space travel that are so deep as to be beyond the imagination. One of them really is that of distance. It simply takes time, lots of time to get to even close destinations such as Mars. Going further or out of the solar system truly is science fiction. Here's a question. How do you take enough water with you to get from here to there, or fuel cells since they are, I guess, the well?

That said, I don't agree with the sentiment that suggests it isn't worth the effort. There are myriad reasons to find a way, whatever that might be, off of this planet. I'm no doom and gloomer, and I don't think we have yet scratched the surface on our own resources. Still, many of them are only renewable over so many eons as to be effectively non-renewable. Perhaps over the long run there is something to be said for mining the asteroid belt.

Also there is the greatest God-given resource of them all, the imagination together with the mind. Every time someone limits that resource with an insurmountable problem, it seems like some intrepid souls (to stupid to know the difference) surmounts it. If we can find the way to get people to Mars, perhaps we can find a way to make the investment return large enough dividends to repay the effort.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Giant leap II: Bush to announce plan for Mars, Moon missions

[risk]

Space Shuttle Program Benefits Industry and Health

October 11, 2000

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) SHUTTLE PROGRAM RESULTS IN DOWN-TO-EARTH TECHNOLOGY DISCOVERIES For nearly two decades, the space shuttle has been the cornerstone of the U.S. space program -- the world's only reusable spacecraft. It's the first vehicle in the history of space flight that can carry large cargoes, such as satellites and spacecraft parts, both to and from orbit.

During construction of the International Space Station, the Space Shuttle will serve as the world's largest and most sophisticated moving van, carrying astronauts, cosmonauts and literally tons of equipment and supplies to the new outpost in orbit.

The technology used to create the most versatile and most advanced spacecraft ever built also touches the lives of people here on Earth. After nearly 100 flights, the benefits to industry, medical research, and to the quality of daily life easily match the number of missions.

More than 100 documented NASA technologies from the Space Shuttle are now incorporated into the tools you use, the foods you eat, and the biotechnology and medicines used to improve your health.

"We often take for granted the returns on NASA's past investments: Everything from global satellite telecommunications to disposable diapers are the result of our investment in space technology," said NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin. "The mission of the Space Shuttle is no different. The program's goal is to play a lead role in opening the space frontier, but it's also about bringing the discoveries of the Space Shuttle into your home."

For more information on NASA-developed technologies that can be used to help solve everyday problems on Earth, visit:

http://nctn.hq.nasa.gov/

http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/

http://inspection.jsc.nasa.gov/

Following are some examples of shuttle-based technologies

3-D Biotechnology

Developed for Space Shuttle medical research, a rotating cell-culture device simulates the microgravity of space. This allows researchers to grow cells in three dimensions. The device may one day help researchers find cures for dangerous infectious diseases and offer alternatives to patients who need organ transplant surgery.

Artificial Heart

Technology used in Space Shuttle fuel pumps led to the development of a miniaturized ventricular-assist pump by NASA and renowned heart surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey. The tiny pump, a mere two inches long, one inch in diameter, and weighing less than four ounces, is currently undergoing clinical trials in Europe, where it has been successfully implanted into more than 20 people.

Blood Serum Research

An astronaut's body, once free of gravity's pull, experiences a redistribution of body fluids that can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and produce a form of space anemia. Monitoring and evaluating blood serum was required to understand these phenomena. However, existing blood-analysis technology required the use of a centrifugation technology that was not practical in space. NASA developed new technologies for the collection and real-time analysis of blood as well as other bodily fluids without the need for centrifugation.

Artificial Limbs

Responding to a request from the orthopedic-appliance industry, NASA recommended that the foam insulation used to protect the Shuttle's external tank replace the heavy, fragile plaster used to produce master molds for prosthetics. The new material is light, virtually indestructible, and easy to ship and store.

Lifesaving Light

Special lighting technology developed for plant-growth experiments on Space Shuttle missions is now used to treat brain tumors in children. Doctors at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee use light-emitting diodes in a treatment called photodynamic therapy, a form of chemotherapy, to kill cancerous tumors.

Taking Temperatures

Infrared sensors developed to remotely measure the temperature of distant stars and planets for the Space Shuttle program led to the development of the hand-held optical sensor thermometer. Placed inside the ear canal, the thermometer provides an accurate reading in two seconds or less.

Better Balance

Devices built to measure the equilibrium of Space Shuttle astronauts when they return from space are now widely used by major medical centers to diagnose and treat patients suffering head injury, stroke, chronic dizziness and disorders of the central nervous system.

Faster Diagnostics

NASA technology was used to create a compact laboratory instrument for hospitals and doctor offices. This device quickly analyzes blood, accomplishing in 30 seconds what once took 20 minutes with conventional equipment. Land Mine Removal

The same rocket fuel that helps launch the Space Shuttle is now being used to save lives -- by destroying land mines. A flare device, using leftover fuel donated by NASA, is placed next to the uncovered land mine and is ignited from a safe distance using a battery-triggered electric match. The explosive burns away, disabling the mine and rendering it harmless.

Tracking Vehicles on Earth

Tracking information originally used for Space Shuttle missions now helps track vehicles here on the ground. This commercial spin-off allows vehicles to transmit a signal back to a home base. Many cities today use the software to track and reassign emergency and public works vehicles. The technology also is used by vehicle fleet operations, such as taxis, armored cars and vehicles carrying hazardous cargo.

Rescue 911

Rescue squads have a new extrication tool to help remove accident victims from wrecked vehicles. The hand-held device requires no auxiliary power systems or cumbersome hoses and is 70 percent cheaper than previous rescue equipment. The cutter uses a miniature version of the explosive charges that separate devices on the Space Shuttle.

Byte Out of Crime

Image-processing technology used to analyze Space Shuttle launch videos and to study meteorological images also helps law enforcement agencies improve crime-solving videos. The technology removes defects due to image jitter, image rotation and image zoom in video sequences. The technology also may be useful for medical imaging, scientific applications and home video.

Gas Gauges

A gas leak-detection system, originally developed to monitor the Shuttle's hydrogen propulsion system, is now being used by the Ford Motor Company in the production of a natural gas-powered car.

Product Labeling

NASA needs to identify, track, and keep records on each of the thousands of heat-shield tiles on the Space Shuttle. This required a labeling system that could be put on ceramic material and withstand the rigors of space travel to be readable after a flight. NASA developed high data-density, two-dimensional, machine-readable symbol technology used to mark individual tiles. This novel method of labeling products with invisible and virtually indestructible markings can be used on electronic parts, pharmaceuticals and livestock -- in fact on just about anything.

Keep Cool Under Fire

Materials from the Space Shuttle thermal protection system are used on NASCAR racing cars to protect drivers from the extreme heat generated by the engines. This same material is also used to protect firefighters.

Fire Resistant Foam

A unique foam developed for Space Shuttle thermal insulation and packing is now being used as thermal and acoustical insulation in aerospace, marine and industrial products. Since it's also fire resistant, it's being used as well for fire barriers, packaging and other applications requiring either high-temperature or very low-temperature insulation in critical environments. For example, use of these foam products by airframe manufacturers such as Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, and Airbus provides major weight savings, while retaining good thermal and acoustical properties in the various products.

Fire Sighting

A sensitive, gas infrared camera, used by NASA observers to monitor the blazing plumes from the Space Shuttle's solid rocket boosters is also capable of scanning for fires. Firefighters use this hand-held camera to pinpoint the hotspots of wildfires that rage out of control.

Jeweler's Gem

Jewelers no longer have to worry about inhaling dangerous asbestos fibers from the blocks they use as soldering bases. Space Shuttle heat-shield tiles offer jewelers a safer soldering base with temperature resistance far beyond the 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit generated by the jeweler's torch.

Jet Stripping

NASA developed a tool that uses powerful jet streams of water to strip paint and primer from the Space Shuttle's solid rocket boosters. A commercial version of this water jet is now used to treat turbine-engine components, airframe components, large aerospace hardware, ships and other mechanical devices, using only pure water. No hazardous chemicals are needed.

Quick Fit Fasteners

Fastening items in space is a difficult task. A Virginia company developed a fastener that can be pushed on, rather than turned. These quick-connect fasteners are flexible and strong, and have been used by NASA astronauts since 1989. The product is now in use by firefighters and nuclear power-plant repair technicians, and has other commercial applications.

Computer Joysticks

Computer games can now be played with all the precision and sensitivity needed for a safe and soft Space Shuttle touchdown. A game-controlling joystick for personal computer-based entertainment systems was modeled after controls used in shuttle simulators. Astronauts used the joystick to practice runway landings and orbit maneuvering.

Toys for Tots

Already successful with its Nerf toy products, Hasbro, Inc. wanted to design a toy glider that a child could fly. Benefiting from NASA wind-tunnel and aerodynamic expertise used in the Space Shuttle program, Hasbro improved the flying distances and loop-to-loop stunts of its toy gliders.

Slick Products

A lubricant used on the transporter that carries a Space Shuttle to the launch pad has resulted in a commercial penetrating-spray lube, which is used for rust prevention and loosening corroded nuts. It's also a cleaner and lubricant for guns and fishing reels, and can be used to reduce engine friction.

[American_Centurion]

What "particularly virulent form of radiation" is she refering to?

Gamma rays? I wish some writers would expand on that, I'm not entirely sure, but I believe that we have solved the problem of radiation shielding for interplanetary astronauts from most radiation by infusing a type of polyethylene plastic with hydrogen.

I didn't think that Gamma Rays were that common, please clarify, if you can. Anyone.

[greasepaint]

I am in favor of going to Mars, as long
as the US taxpayer does not pick up the tab.
Perhaps we could get the UN, or the French, or some
other imbeciles to pay for the trip.

[from occupied ga]

Somehow you forgot that all that money was spent in the US to pay US workers...unlike all those consumer goods you bought at Walmart!

Thank you for the totally irrelevant post. Somehow you managed to completely miss my point. For those who are hard of comprehension I'll try to explain it in a different way

The money was not spent on what those who earned it wanted to buy, but rather was taken from them and spent on getting some pictures of rocks and dust BFD.

Following your tortured "logic" it appears that you think that the government should take all of our money and spend it on what they want just so none of it goes to Walmart. Further your incredibly shallow "analysis" of the situation totally ignores the fact that most of the $820,000,000 will be spent on salaries for PhDs and engineers who not being stupid will then go and buy goods at Walmart.

[dpa5923]

Further your incredibly shallow "analysis" of the situation totally ignores the fact that most of the $820,000,000 will be spent on salaries for PhDs and engineers who not being stupid will then go and buy goods at Walmart.

Well, then tax them so they can't spend the money at Walmart. Why is this so hard? (just joking)

[from occupied ga]

That said, I don't agree with the sentiment that suggests it isn't worth the effort.

I'm not against space exploration. I'm against TAXPAYER INVOLUNTARY FUNDED space exploration. If anyone wants to go to Mars or Jupiter let them for a corporation of like minded individuals and go for it. If they find any worthwhile results let them sell the results for a profit.

[from occupied ga]

Giant leap II: Bush to announce plan for Mars, Moon missions

Lunacy - sheer lunacy to go along with his farm bill, his "no child left behind," his ammnesty for alien criminals, and his support for the semi-auto ban

[Cincinatus' Wife]

So go vote for the Dims. - they seem to suit you best. No vision, no nothing, just Bush bashing. Yes, I'd say the dims is the party for you.

[JenB]

Thank you for pointing out that space is an investment, one which has already paid off.

Let the groundhogs stay. I'd like to live on the Moon.

[risk]

The money was not spent on what those who earned it wanted to buy, but rather was taken from them and spent on getting some pictures of rocks and dust

You're not addressing the real reasons why we first went into space, and why we must continue to do so if that local rock and dust is going to remain free and safe:

1. Superpower since 1940 has meant control over the air and since 1959 space. By 2010 or sooner, control over space between here and the moon, and on the entire moon will be critical to defense. Who controls near-outer space (i.e. to the moon and back) will have the ultimate in retaliatory and strategic advantages.
2. Weapons engineering bleedover from space research is incredible. I don't even need to cite examples in anti-ballistic missile technology, computer software, imaging, and communications.
3. Conventional engineering trickledown has proven incredible. WD40 the spray lubricant, Teflon(R), perfect ballbearings, and many other things just wouldn't be possible without the space program. The future is wide open for discovery. There's no need for the trickledown process to end.
4. Our national identity is connected with frontiers and exploration. Don't get left behind in spirt -- just because it seems unnecessary. Many of us see it as a significant requirement for humanity's future to continue on out into space. We're going, with or without the pessimists.

[KeepUSfree]

My only reply is, if you look back historically, whichever country was "investing in exploration" - be that the romans, the spanish, french or english - they ended up being the dominant culture and dominant economic and military power - until they stopped.

If you want to stay on top - you MUST invest in R & D. It's true with business. It is true with governments.

You have the typically American problem of not being able to look at long term goals (it's a cultural failing of ours) - but see only the bottom line.

[risk]

bttt

[aquawrench]

Im sick and tired of hearing all the benefits of the manned space program, look at it now! Its a huge boonedogle! Im a Bush supporter for sure but it really is starting to look like he is daddy's boy, doing everything his daddy wanted to do but couldn't.

NO TO MARS!

[LS]

This is the real issue: space exploration is now, and will always be, critical to national defense. It is the "high frontier," as Ronald Reagan called it. If it was purely exploration, I would not support it as taxpayer funded. But virtually all exploration/colonization dating back to Columbus was essentially about national security issues. This is no different. The fact that we can't immediately figure out how we, today, might see Mars as "national security" does not mean it will not someday be essential. Someone WILL go there, and likely not by the private market. That "someone" better be us.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

When we last went to the Moon the world saw that when Americans put their hearts, minds and money into a goal, they finished it. From that sprang the understanding by the Soviets that we would win a Star Wars race and try as they might they could not compete and eventually folded. China, the EU, India, Japan, the Russians and others are working toward a lunar return. Their oft stated purpose is for science but it goes without saying it is for military advancement. Many have said they are certain our ability in the Gulf Wars was due because of our space superiority. With Bush's announcement of a Lunar Base our country is safer than it was yesterday. How much is that worth?