Boeing To Build Space-borne Power Generator

Marstoday.com ^ | 7/1/03 | Boenig

[KevinDavis]

ST. LOUIS, July 1, 2003 - Boeing [NYSE:BA] has been named by the Department of Energy (DOE) to lead in the creation of a next-generation power system for future Mars surface missions and the exploration of deep space.

Boeing Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power in Canoga Park, Calif., is teamed with Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc. to develop, qualify, and deliver electrical power generation systems for interplanetary missions and probes. The new compact power system, a multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG), will provide unique in-space and planetary surface power capability.

[KevinDavis]

A lot things space wise is happening regarding flights to Mars. Me thinks there is going to be a major initivie for human flight. I could be wrong though.

[KevinDavis]

Space Ping! This is the space ping list! Let me know if you want on or off this list!

[Moonman62]

Actually, the major initiative is for the government to find an excuse to take hundreds of billions more out of our wallets. Unmanned missions are just fine for exploring Mars, and they are a heck of a lot more affordable.

[lelio]

the major initiative is for the government to find an excuse to take hundreds of billions more out of our wallets.

If the economy doesn't improve soon, look for space exploration to be Bush's New Deal program. There's plenty of unemployed engineers and computer scientists that would work on it.

[Knightsofswing]

First of all, please add me to the "ping" list.

Second of all I only hope that we have the guts to use this in a prolonged space flight, but I fore see the liberal COWARDS stopping any and all attempts to further our conquest of space!

[Camel Joe]

Why I oughta send Buzz over to your house for a good punch in the nose. Men in space and on Mars, American men!!!

[Camel Joe]

That is precisely what our outsourced displaced engineers should be aiming for.

[Camel Joe]

And woman too, sorry.

[Willie Green]

If the economy doesn't improve soon, look for space exploration to be Bush's New Deal program. There's plenty of unemployed engineers and computer scientists that would work on it.

Nah. With the contract going to Boeing, W is just using another route to transfer our technology to China.
Who gives a hoot about electricity on Mars anyway?
We need to invest in clean, modern, nuclear generating capacity right here in the USA.

[Moonman62]

Sure, but you know the crew will have to be diverse (compelling interest, dontcha know), and they'll be planting the powder blue flag.

[Knightsofswing]

You may be wrong about this. Man [for a genaric term] is driven to see what is over the next hill or valley. When you send a robot, you only get a very limited view of the area. There is something to be said about stepping foot where no man has gone before, in the name of all mankind.

Yes unfortunly we may loose a few brave souls along the way, but that is the price exploration, and knowledge. I would go in a New Yourk second if I could! What would have happened if Columbus did not come here? I don't know, I hate to think about it.

[KevinDavis]

There are also some conservative COWARDS who think that robots is the way to go. Robots are so limited.

[Moonman62]

You may be wrong about this. Man [for a genaric term] is driven to see what is over the next hill or valley. When you send a robot, you only get a very limited view of the area. There is something to be said about stepping foot where no man has gone before, in the name of all mankind.

I agree, but the time hasn't come yet. And when it does, Americans should be first. And let's remember that Columbus was expected to bring back gold for the investment.

[PeaceBeWithYou]

Boeing. "That's a heck of a name for an airplane manufacture, sounds like a piece of it just fell off." - Benny Hill.

You might want to seek treatment for your excerptitis, needlessly excerpted threads have been disappearing of late.

[Monty22]

Sending a man to Mars would be the greatest thing humanity ever achieved. We should hope it happens in our lifetimes.

[tet68]

Earth Attacks! Pt.1

[Moonman62]

Sending a man to Mars would be the greatest thing humanity ever achieved. We should hope it happens in our lifetimes.

And by the second mission, people will be bored with it. Unless, of course, NASA kills a few on the first try.

[flashbunny]

Please add me. TIA.

[Monty22]

Bored.. It depends. If we find water or biology or whatever there, I don't think so. I think we can setup a perm or semi-perm Martian station and have incredible research from it.

The mountain is there, are we too afraid to climb it?

[Moonman62]

Bored.. It depends. If we find water or biology or whatever there, I don't think so. I think we can setup a perm or semi-perm Martian station and have incredible research from it.

Such as?