Small thinking

In this story, the plans of the ESA and NASA are discussed in regard to getting samples of Martian soil back here for study….by 2031.  This is the perfect example of the small thinking that infects NASA. By 2031, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos will have people on Mars, while the government spaceflight agencies diddle around. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Now all we have to do….

is figure out a way to get there.   A nice first step might be having people on the moon and Mars!  Actually, since the planet appears to be tidally locked, it might not be there best candidate, but we ought to have a look at some point. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Boeing Starliner

NASA has put out a statement on the recent Boeing Starliner uncrewed mission test.  The mission failed to dock with the ISS because it failed to achieve the required orbit.  This statement makes clear that another uncrewed mission might be required by NASA, but it has not been decided yet. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

F*ck

Damn.  We need to get this done and get it right now. ( Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger who would be really pissed off right now.)

JAXA doesn’t get enough credit

JAXA (The Japanese Space Agency) doesn’t get enough credit.  They have been doing some great space exploration.  See the latest here.

Speaking of asteroids, NASA has been doing some fine work as well.  (Post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Its not just NASA

The Russians also have problems with waste and deadlines with their space program.  This confirms that while governments still have a significant role to play in space exploration, the development of commercial space programs is a good development. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

We need to up our game

China isn’t kidding when it comes to space exploration.  Either we step it up or we will get left behind. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger.)

 

Space

In the words of Instapundit; Faster, please.  I’ve said here before that the fact that we are using Russian spacecraft to transport our astronauts is a national embarrassment. It needs to end.  It is clear that only private companies have any hope of ending it quickly.  NASA seems to bureaucratic to do so. The same is true for getting back to the moon. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

JAXA

The Japanese space agency (JAXA), the equivalent of NASA has been doing some amazing science in regard to asteroids.  While they do participate in unmanned cargo resupply missions to the ISS, they do not maintain any manned spaceflight capabilities of their own (well, neither does NASA really).  Frankly, I’d love to see a collaboration between NASA and JAXA on manned spaceflight matters. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

WTH?

Reason #6742 why the sooner we stop relying on the Russians for astronaut transport, the better.  It is the shame of this country that we were ever in this situation to begin with. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

 

UPDATE:  As I was saying.