America's Space Program: What We Should Do Next

popularmechanic.com ^ | may-22-2003 | BY BUZZ ALDRIN

[bonesmccoy]

Great column and ideas.

Unfortunately, our national leadership is infiltrated by self-aggrandizing politicians who are only interested in looking good...not in doing good.

[SSN558]

"Foamed metal can't be made here on Earth but"

Foamed metal is made on earth. I have samples of this stuff left over from the 80's. The problem with foamed metals was not so much in their production, but in finding applications.

This company may be out of business by now. Energy Research and Generation, Inc. Manufacturer of Duocel Aluminum Foam and Reticulated Vitreous Carbon. I considered once using these for separation technology, but found that wire mesh was more economical and easier to fabricate.

[KC_for_Freedom]

Good thoughtful posts.

The war on terrorism should take priority over space exploration, but space exploration can proceed at a reduced pace.

What has to change is the "faster, cheaper, better" culture initiated by Al Gore when Clinton took over the administration. This led to Lockheed building seven missiles in a row with manufacturing defects caused by trying to cut cornors. Cutting cornors is the reason the shuttle failed on re-entry, NASA did not want to stop and fix the shedding debris problem that they knew about.

Of course, continuing the space program will help this country keep and employ more engineers, something we need as much as smart weapons and more special operations forces. Who will design the next generation of weapons if we do not do this?

[XBob]

13 - "Well said, WT; the lack of economic planning and development is the main killer to our future space ventures. "

I agree. Like I said before, we won't succeed in space, until we have somewhere to go. And privatization of space won't work unless we have some 'spice islands' to get to.