Posted on 04/09/2010 9:06:33 AM PDT by americanophile
When America's space shuttle program ends in September, the U.S. will be completely dependent on Russian rockets for launching men and women into space -- and bringing them back. But what will happen to America's astronauts if relations between the U.S. and Russia sour?
Until American companies come to market with commercial rockets and launch vehicles to replace the shuttle, the only nation ever to put a man on the Moon won't even be able to put a man into orbit. And that, experts tell FoxNews.com, has the potential to be a "tragic mistake," one that could hold America's astronauts in orbit hostage to the whims of the Kremlin.
"The U.S. has surrendered its advantage in space, conceding the high ground to others who are probably our enemies," said Jane Orient, a science policy expert and professor at the University of Arizona. "We are apparently leaving seven astronauts in space as hostages. Their loss would be a tragedy, but only a small part of the total disaster. It would symbolize the lack of respect that America has for its pioneers."
Former rocket scientist Shannah B. Godfrey is equally outspoken in her criticism and concerns, noting the need for constant training and condition to remain prepared for a crisis in space.
"Remember a few years ago when china 'accidentally' hit a satellite in space?" she asked, adding that "they were subtly sending us a message that they could cripple us instantly by taking out our satellites."
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
I want my
I want my
I want my Saturn V.
This is really sad. Democratic Presidents have a strong history with human space flight. Kennedy started the push for the moon. Johnson presided over the critical developements that made the moon walk possible. The shuttle came underway in the Carter era and the International Space Station was born in the Clinton years. What does Obama do? Quit.
Kennedy and Johnson got us on the moon. Obama won’t even get us into low orbit.
“Kennedy and Johnson got us on the moon. Obama won’t even get us into low orbit.”
I think his goal is more along the lines of running us into the ground....
Another Leftist win. Deconstructing America since 1970.
Agenda-driven statement.
Do you really think the meglomaniacal, Leftist control freaks want to give mankind a chance to escape from under their tyrannical thumb?
We have the Kennedy Space Center, the Johnson Space Center, and eventually we’ll have the Obama Space & Gas Pedal Repair Center.
there is a simple explanation. there are no voters (or big campaign donors, for that matter) on the moon.
Yes, Obama would like the U.S. to be impotent on ALL FRONTS.
Yup, can’t commit vote fraud on the moon.
Nobody there to offer a pack of cigs to to vote democrat under assumed names.
.
Sad ping.
“I want my Saturn V.”
I got to see the only night launch of the Saturn V booster from a couple of miles away. It was the most impressive thing I have ever seen in my life.
Unbelievable.
I am SO jealous.
The best rendition the rest of us will have is in the great launch pad sequence from Apollo 13, the only reason for the continued existence of Opie.
A magnificent triumph of human engineering, not to mention plain old balls-and I don’t just mean from the astronauts.
I think I am going to be sick.
I’ve seen this movie.
Roy Scheider and Helen Miren.
Piece of pie...
The ISS was put into an orbit benefiting the Russians (Soviets at the time) and we had to spends millions or more to upgrade shuttle engines, SRBs and lighten the external tank (which may have been a factor in the Columbia accident) just to get our guys into that orbit.
>> The ISS was put into an orbit benefiting the Russians (Soviets at the time)
ISS began to be constructed in 1998.
I stand corrected.
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