Human Space Exploration Nearing End

[no_way]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>its easier to control corruption in democracy with free press. <p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br />Until the "buyers" figure out the price of the press as well ...<br /><br />

 

[dragon04]

The manned space program is nearing the end, indeed. The end of the beggining.<br /><br />Hundreds of times, men and women have travelled to space. While every mission has its inherent dangers, and occasional disasters, launch to LEO has become almost routine in nature.<br /><br />Interplanetary manned flight is on the horizon. WHile it likely wont be "commonplace" in the next few decades without some breakthrough in propulsion technology, it WILL happen.<br /><br />Within the next century or two, we will be mining asteroids for their vast amounts of metals and other natural resources.<br /><br />As another poster stated, the end of the STS program is not the end of manned space flight by any means.<br /><br />Mankind is resilient. Failure in such great venture doesn't discourage further attempts; it does however teach us patience and respect in the attempt to harness the improbable.<br /><br />While I have been very openly critical of the STS program in light of events regarding the recent launch of Discovery and the new delays and additional costs that will be incurred, an important thing has happened.<br /><br />Engineers are back at the drawing board. Fine minds are at work looking for "better". Adversity has spurred people to find a better method and solution.<br /><br />And while that solution may not occur on a convenient timetable for some of us, solutions will be found. People will think outside the box. New ideas will be tested. New methods will be discovered.<br /><br />Perhaps, the continued difficulties of the STS program has a silver lining. The sheer tenacity with which we pursue manned spaceflight will increase.<br /><br />Great things are on the horizon. I only hope I'm fortunate enough to live to see them. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <em>"2012.. Year of the Dragon!! Get on the Dragon Wagon!".</em> </div>

 

[JonClarke]

Nicely said. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Whether we become a multi-planet species with unlimited horizons, or are forever confined to Earth will be decided in the twenty-first century amid the vast plains, rugged canyons and lofty mountains of Mars</em>  Arthur Clarke</p> </div>

 

[ronatu]

<b>Death is only the beginning</b>.... <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />