Where do we go from here? Making the Vision for Space Exploration a reality

The Space Review ^ | 09/19/05 | Daniel Handlin

[KevinDavis]

Ask someone you meet about the space shuttles; they’ll probably know that they were grounded but that Discovery has just returned the fleet to flight. Ask him or her about the Mars rovers, and they’ll probably know that they landed safely, and maybe even that they’re still operating. Then ask them about the Vision for Space Exploration.

[KevinDavis]

I would like to someone plant Old Glory on Alpha Centauri.... That would be the ultimate rush....

[KevinDavis]

[anymouse]

That might be tough to accomplish as Alpha Centauri is a star! It also happens to be very far away from our current technological reach.

[KevinDavis]

Then I settle for seeing Old Glory on Mars...

[Hawk1976]

I've read the debates on the other threads so I'll weigh in with what I didn't see. If all we(mankind) ever wanted was to "know" about the universe, then yes unmanned drones would be enough.

That may be enough for some of us. For me and most of those I count as my friends, just knowing will never be enough. Looking at a Mars rock through glass at the Smithsonian is no comparison to looking through a helmet visor and seeing Mars stretched out before you.

Early exploration has been a government deal since Queen Isabella hocked the royal jewels to send Christopher Columbus off in search of a new trade route, and probably even before that. Once government has shown the way others will follow, and in time surpass government.

[KevinDavis]

There is more in space then what we know and we have not seen the tip of the iceberg..

As for private industry, look at Jamestown. A company started the Jamestown colony not the british government.

[Hawk1976]

What you say of Jamestown is true, but it was Spanish, English, French, and Dutch explorers who found the place.

Governments financed the initial explorations, then private companies moved in.

You can argue correctly that most of the explorers were soldiers of fortunes and strongly motivated by profit incentives, they were. But the governments still financed the trips looking for a return. I think those governments actually did see a return on their investments, though it often took time.

[KevinDavis]

That is the problem with todays society.. We don't see things in the long term. We see things short term. It takes time for things to show the results...

[Termite_Commander]

It also happens to be very far away from our current technological reach.

Heck, all you need is some baking soda, vinegar and a cryogenic freezing chamber! You'll be there in no time.

[Young Werther]

Rep Shelia Jackosn Lee, Dimbulb from Houston, has been there done that!!!