Canadians could go to moon, Mars, says Garneau [From the Canadian Hitch-Hiking Agency!]

Toronto Star ^ | 1/15/04 | Staff

[TastyManatees]

Canadians could go to moon, Mars, says Garneau
CANADIAN PRESS

MONTREAL - Canadian astronauts could be aboard the first manned space flights to the moon and Mars envisioned by U.S. President George W. Bush, the head of the Canadian Space Agency said today. Marc Garneau, Canada's first man in space two decades ago, said that Canadians could join the historic flights if the federal government makes a major financial commitment.

"There's the tantalizing possibility that a Canadian man or woman could go to the moon as part of that effort sometime in the second part of the next decade and then on to other places," Garneau said in an interview.

But he warned that the federal government would have to contribute major sums of money for the dream to become a reality.

"Over the next 20 years, it would be in the billions of dollars. There's no free ride."

Garneau unveiled his vision for manned Canadian space travel following a speech yesterday in which Bush unveiled a plan to develop new spacecraft to carry astronauts back to the moon by 2015.

Bush's election-year vision also calls for the construction of a long-term base on the moon that could be used as a launching pad to other places, including Mars.

Although the president implied that U.S. astronauts would lead the missions, he also invited other nations "to join us on this journey in a spirit of co-operation and friendship."

Garneau suggested countries that paid into the project could have a major role in supplying astronauts and technical expertise.

Canada's talents in robotics, drilling and mining could be applied on the moon and elsewhere, he said.

But Prime Minister Paul Martin has given no indication so far that he's prepared to make a major financial commitment to the massive project.

"In fairness, the government of Canada needs more details and . . . needs to make a decision about where it fits along its priorities," said Garneau.

[TastyManatees]

So, basically the Canadians would like to send some hitch-hikers down our way?

Good to see they're at least considering throwing in for gas!

Tasty Manatees

[americanbychoice]

Ok, build your own rockets and invest in Space.

[RightWhale]

Yeah, it would take more than a nifty robot arm to get a ride to Mars.

[Spok]

"Canadians could go to moon, Mars"

And there's alot of us who'd like to see them go...

[ChuckShick]

Canada has a Space Agency? Wow, will wonders ever cease.

[ambrose]

These losers should stay at home drinking beer.

One of the big reasons our space exploration efforts have lagged for the past 30 years is because we've been bogged down on all of this "international" garbage. Look at the space station fiasco.

[RightWhale]

Everybody has a space agency. Oklahoma has a space agency. Italy has a space agency. There are rumors that Japan has a space agency, although there is some doubt on that one. California has a space agancy. India, China, Iran, Libya, probably even Rhode Island.

[ChuckShick]

Al Gore has one too -- between his ears.

[RightWhale]

There shouldn't be any invitations this time. If somebody wants in, fine. If they have to be solicited, forget it.

[steveegg]

As long as Ralph Kramden handles the Candadian travel arrangements, I'm happy ("To the moon, Alice!")

[Cincinatus' Wife]

There shouldn't be any invitations this time. If somebody wants in, fine. If they have to be solicited, forget it

Bump!

[NMR Guy]

Canadian astronauts could be aboard the first manned space flights to the moon and Mars envisioned by U.S. President George W. Bush, the head of the Canadian Space Agency said today. Marc Garneau, Canada's first man in space two decades ago, said that Canadians could join the historic flights if they snuck on board the rocket ahead of time and hid in a corner while being very, very quiet.

[TastyManatees]

Too funny!

[snarkpup]

Speaking of hitchhikers, it just occurred to me that the whole purpose of the new manned space program could be a kind of "B" Ark.

[steveegg]

(How many technological objections will be raised?)

As long as Pubbies run things and the contracts don't go to the ChiComs, a lot. BTW, I'm taking the over (currently 57 1/2 - oh yeah, ping)

[LibWhacker]

I didn't know The Star carried articles from The Onion.

[midwestmidnight]

Well, since they can't defend themselves, they may as well all go but, who wants to ride in a capsule for four days with some stinkin' psuedo-frenchy?

[Viking2002]

If there's any glory to be had, all the wanna-bes want to hitch their carts to our horse.......

[RightWhale]

BTW, I'm taking the over (currently 57 1/2 - oh yeah, ping)

Could I use that sentence, phrase, fragment, prereferent objective whatever it is, as example in this afternoon's English Grammar class?

[steveegg]

No ;-)