What's new in New Space

steve smyth — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:32:36 GMT

this must be really easy stuff to report...it never changes...just recycle last year's story with a new date and a few pics...
another day, another bogus pitch...

What's new in New Space

Ben Brockert, Mojave — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:44:59 GMT

WK2 flew again today, according to @mlaughlin of XCOR.

What's new in New Space

justin shaw, klamath falls, oregon — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:05:14 GMT

It would sure be interesting if they would come up with a concrete plan, get congressional funding and finally start to build a fleet to survey our solar system. we've looked beyond, now, its time to take a closer look.

What's new in New Space

W. Sitze, Las Cruces, NM — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:26:26 GMT

NASA should not fully retire the Shuttle fleet until we have an operational replacement. To do so leaves us at the mercy of less than dependable sources for our participation as full partners in the research and use of the International Space Station. Adding to that problem, the suggested replacement fleet does not include the abilities of the Shuttle for retrieval, repair, and placement of such objects as the Hubble Space Telescope.

What's new in New Space

Ken B., Morris, New York — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:23:39 GMT

The cost of mobilization of Troops to regions in which we have no business, easily in the billions of dollars quaterly, could have been used to start a more productive space program long ago. It's time we took a long look at the larger picture.

What's new in New Space

Doug Jones — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:01:37 GMT

Well, gee, Steve Smyth, one has to wonder what exactly YOU have flown lately- or ever. As for alleged recycling of news items, let's take them in order:

Space adventures shows, once again, that space tourism is a viable market, with prices rising as demand outstrips a rather inflexible supply. There's gold in them thar hills.

Scaled Composites is making good progress in testing the largest dedicated air launch vehicle, and largest all-composite aircraft, ever built.

The name change, and smooth leadership turnover, of the CSF shows that the industry organization is viable, active, and continues to be useful to its member organizations.

NASA's basic assumptions and decisions are being reviewed by an independent panel under a new administration that has a lot of other items on its collective plate just now- which means it might simply accept the panel's findings in toto. That that panel has significant representation from the CSF is... interesting.

So, no, I don't believe any of this is old news.

What's new in New Space

George Mathias — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:38:34 GMT

I agree with W.Sitze, NASA should not retire its Shuttle fleet until it has a replacement. Only if the security of the Astronauts is at risk, due to the aging of space shuttles NASA'S decision is justified.

What's new in New Space

Frank Glover, Rochester, NY — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:33:21 GMT

"The cost of mobilization of Troops to regions in which we have no business, easily in the billions of dollars quaterly, could have been used to start a more productive space program long ago. It's time we took a long look at the larger picture."

Perhaps. But don't assume that any of that money would or will be diverted to NASA. Other government agencies have their own lobbies, no to mention those who would use it to service the national debt, or just ask slightly less of taxpayers in the next budget...