One of the most efficient ways to travel between planets would be nuclear powered spacecraft. However, treaties banning the introduction of nuclear weapons into space have always been seen as an impediment to such spacecraft. However, NASA seems to be re-examining the issue. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)
Interesting story on the latest NASA budget proposal. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)
SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule made a safe return today. Later this summer we should get the first US launched manned mission to space in 8 years. Our long national nightmare is almost over. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)
It is nothing short of a national disgrace that for a number of years, the US has been reduced to paying the Russians for rides into space. That this was allowed to happy is something that NASA should forever be ashamed of. However, we are now close to the US having its own manned spaceflight capability restored, thanks to private industry. SpaceX has flown an (unmanned) manned crew capsule to the ISS. Later this year, it should fly with a full crew. Thank God. (post in memory of Mike Nofsiniger)
Story here. Be sure to look for the special modeling connection in the story. (h/t to Jim “Harley” Bates)(post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)
SpaceX crew capsule launch is a go. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)
JAXA, the Japanese equivalent of NASA is about to shoot an asteroid in order to gather samples of the material. Cool.
The Opportunity rover has finally been declared dead. It was supposed to work for 3 months and ended up lasting 15 years. That is a real tribute to the engineers at NASA. While IMHO, we need a moon base, the real target should be men on Mars. Opportunity got us closer to that goal. Rest well little rover. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)
Story here. I’ve been posting a lot of space related news lately. Frankly, I am thrilled. The fact that there is news every few days in regard to innovation and exploration of space I something that was a regular feature of the news when I was growing up in the 60s. Back then we thought we’d have a base on the moon in the 80s and regular space travel by 2000. Then, the late 70s took all the air out of space travel and exploration. That lasted more or less for 30 years. Now thanks to several super-wealthy billionaires, private space companies are stepping in and filling the void. Thank goodness. I just hope this continues and even accelerates. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)
This is the website for the Hayabusa II. No, not the Ki-43, but the Japanese asteroid exploration satellite. It is a neat site. In a modeling related tie-in, there is a 32nd scale kit of the Hayabusa II. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)
