Moonwalker on the run

Delmar Fairchild, Barron, WI — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 23:48:43 GMT

There is not enough Americans saying: "What if?".

Moonwalker on the run

Joseph Basile, Worcester, MA — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 02:56:49 GMT

Buzz has always been a great and very vocal advocate for some very sensible options for space exploration. I'm always glad when he talks about how important it is that we push to send humans to work, and later live, on Mars.

There is a growing underground movement (outside of The Mars Society) of people who want to popularize these ideas for the general public. Some of the problems they face are financial, some are cultural (the same problems plauging all of the space community), but perhaps the biggest challenges involve geographic separation (how do you coordinate outreach when your staff is spread out over multiple continents?). With the support of key figures, namely space greats like Buzz, these movements could gain alot of momentum. I just wish there were a way to make him aware of our presence.

Moonwalker on the run

John Lueckenotte — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 03:02:42 GMT

Being a lifelong space enthusiast, I was sad to think of these great men passing into their twilight years - while a younger generation only seemed interested in consumerism and a "That's Hot!" mentality.

But then I recently saw a debut screening of "In the Shadow of the Moon", and I was quite impressed by the various age groups in attendance - as well as the standing ovation at the end of the film. Perhaps there is still hope!

Moonwalker on the run

Paul Sloshmire — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 06:40:09 GMT

I have seen other opportunities to journey to space like sweepstakes but the odds are not realistic in winning.

Moonwalker on the run

The Braid — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 07:15:48 GMT

It was our generation that was supposed to follow these great pioneers into the cosmos. I was ready for the migration and anxiously looked forward to that day, but our society degenerated into the assassinations of our leaders and the dark side of our species. Pursuit of self-aggrandized consumption as to who had the most toys exposed the immaturity of the next generations. So, while it was one giant leap for a(sic) man, there doesn't seem to be the noble impetus to follow with that "One giant leap for mankind." I guess it will eventually be left to RC toys and robots to venture into the great beyond while the sophomoric antics of vacuous rag-mag divas and fanatical religious zealots consume the precious minutes of our lives. All hail the mighty corporate manipulators in the quest for the holy grail of profits and conspicuous undiscipline.

Moonwalker on the run

Old Stoner from the Big Boner — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 08:18:43 GMT

I would love to have my tombstone read "I peed on the Moon and you didn't".

Moonwalker on the run

Joseph Basile — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:20:33 GMT

Paul,

I odds of winning powerball or megamillions is not at all realistic, but a $300million jackpot turns alot of heads, just as a $100million trip around the moon would.

Moonwalker on the run

Dennis Gorman — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:40:09 GMT

When we first landed on the moon, I was sure that there would be a base on the moon in less than ten years and a manned landing or Mars in less than twenty. It is now nearly forty years later, I am 66 years old, and I doubt if we will land on Mars in my lifetime. NASA threw away the Saturn rocket, which could have put up a really big space station with just three or four launches and is now re-inventing the Saturn capability using left over shuttle and Saturn technology. They estimate this project will take at least ten years. Considering the recent record, I have little hope that NASA will ever send a man to Mars. Perhaps there will be a new "space race" and someone else (or a "New NASA") will do it.

Moonwalker on the run

steve smyth lynn ma — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 15:26:49 GMT

the joy of space...space is where it's at...whether the vast expanse of outer space, the space between our ears, or simply a place to hang our hats...it's issue #1 for as long as every single Human alive today remains so...we need a sense of space to breathe...let's start with a Buzz...why not?...it works for Pop Culture...
I can solve launch, re-entry, and sustainability/reusability simply...any time your are ready...that should be a good start, eh?
more...
http://smythspace.blogspot.com/2007/01/smythspace.html

Moonwalker on the run

Jake — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:56:28 GMT

Aldrin is a coward! As an American and as a human being he needs to inform the public of what he really experienced while on the moon. (Watch interview on Larry King "UFOs Are They Out There?")

Moonwalker on the run

Ms. Petrea Rasmussen, Dallas, TX — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:03:41 GMT

Mr. Aldrin continues to be a world-class asset to the human species. It pains me, however, to watch the years unfold without yielding the completely deserved satisfaction of unqualified success in his ventures to enable space access for us all. We all have been blessed to have Buzz Aldrin in our midst, whether you respect that or not.

Moonwalker on the run

CM Modesto, CA — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:05:15 GMT

As usual, promoters of space colonies blithely ignore the economics involved. There is no way a lunar colony could have any economic return, the moon programs are a financial loss.

Mars colonies would be an even bigger loss.

Moonwalker on the run

Squall12 — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 01:14:49 GMT

Most people here are saying how landing on Mars would be so great, and how we could set up colonies, E.T.C. E.T.C.

Think about this, if we set up colonies on Mars, and some asteroid hits it, anywhere at all, where we are stationed, Don't you think that we could lose millions, possibly billions of humans, animals, anything at all? Yea yea, we can set up a fake biosphere at 8 KM up like we have now, but what about inter-galactic terrorism (Wow that would be a hoot, 6 months after launch, get nailed by a missile)

Though it has some bonuses to it. We would have to create more sleek, comfortable models. Faster models (light speed is possible, just use tachyons)

For the guy who said he was 66 years old, I really feel sorry for you man. I thought we would land on Mars or anywhere a lot sooner. Hopefully you'll live a strong good (rest of your) life.