[RadioAstronomer]

I think NASA needs to break out of a vicious cycle and propose something radical like terraforming Venus or building a space elevator.

Agreed. However, lack of funding will kill anything but small stuff anyway. Did you see they cancled the Prometheus nuclear propulsion studies?

[Fitzcarraldo]

Did you see they cancled the Prometheus nuclear propulsion studies?

Yes, they are wrapping up the final report.

Amazing how these ideas are whipped up, mega-$$$ spent in the contract bid phase, only to be cancelled.

[Fitzcarraldo]

However, lack of funding will kill anything but small stuff anyway.

Well, much good to be said for Cassini and the Mars Rovers. Technology gets better and can fit into smaller boxes. Space is probably the best domain for agressive nanotechnology.