Ups and downs on the space frontier

WW Terry — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 05:07:35 GMT

One can always hope towards the future. If only the money spent on monster sized NASA bureaucracy could in part be funneled into start up monies for private space industry...and then a space port that is bureaucrat free and regulation free to the extent that only basic rules apply to launch vehicles.

Ups and downs on the space frontier

steve smyth lynn ma — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 14:26:38 GMT

I'm insulted, Al...you're down to anointing major and minor players...yet, no mention of Gaia Two...which solves all the major problems, and will evolve to solve more...we both know that every one of the so-called major, and minor players are basically the same Zegrahm bunch who instituted this approach...all we're getting here are attempts to recover some of the investment...Human Space Travel is bigger than Economic Imperatives...at least it is if I'm going to get involved...carry on...
just funnin' witcha, Al...but...the above is true and should be reported on in greater, more thoroughly objective depth...awareness of the whole picture is critical if the populace is going to get interested

Ups and downs on the space frontier

Bill Hensley, Houston, TX — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 05:04:43 GMT

Armadillo definitely has a leg up on the competition when it comes to building a lander, although of course a lot of things are different when you're landing on the moon. I think his best shot is to partner with someone who already has a launch vehicle - or who has deep enough pockets to buy one. It's intriguing, though, that they've already been thinking about an upper stage, and that they might be able to use their own reusable launchers to test it suborbitally. That solves a key problem - how to test your craft in space without spending a fortune on launches.

Ups and downs on the space frontier

Guran Walker, Brisbane, Australia — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:55:22 GMT

Regarding the 'fanciful' idea of anti-matter drives etc., to get to Gleis3b et al., let's face it, the ONLY viable method of interstellar travel is by Solar System. But who sent us and where will we be when the Galaxy arrives?

Ups and downs on the space frontier

Frank Glover, Rochester, NY — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:21:43 GMT

"yet, no mention of Gaia Two...which solves all the major problems..."

Steve, the best way to be taken seriously, is to cut some metal and *fly* something. Even a subscale demonstrator will do. Even if it breaks, people will know you're for real.

Even RpK might do better if it had something with daylight under its wings/fins/whatever to point to.

Ups and downs on the space frontier

Bill Hensley — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:11:19 GMT

Latest word is that Masten Space Systems is pulling out of the Northrup Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge this year, too. Their vehicle won't be ready in time due to some bad welds from their tank fabricator. Looks like we may see some lonely Armadillos again in New Mexico next month.

Ups and downs on the space frontier

steve smyth lynn ma — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 09:51:33 GMT

Frank..the best way to become a part of the TIN MAN game is to show 'em some bogus model...there's no metal involved...any time anyone wants a demonstration...you got it...I'll take live on MSNBC any time...let me know...

Ups and downs on the space frontier

Tony Smith, Gilmer, Tx — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:47:21 GMT

Come on people! I have a launch system that would launch a craft of exponential size into orbit without fuel consumption. As well as designs for an advanced propulsion system that can regenerate fuel (slowly) on long extrasolar sorties and super strong hull designs. If anyone is interested in these ideas e-mail me. If we would just quit bickering over who is going to get there first and pool our teams together and do this thing, we would already be there! The X Prize idea is a good one but come on people, our planet is going down the drain with global warming and we are just sitting here watching other people say "well we'll get there by 2015." No wonder this planet is going downhill. No one can do anything with the way the current politics and economy are. I propose to change that. Visit my website to see how. None of my designs will be posted on my website. Interested parties should contact me by e-mail. I will only post ways to change the current situation to where we can get out there and do what needs to be done to change this world for the better.