US Space Program

1. 74

   Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

   I just heard on the local news that Obama will be announcing an end to the US space program later today.  I do not know if this is true.  I guess we will find out this afternoon.
   
   
   Any Thoughts?

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2. 61

   Ohmaposted 14 years ago

   There is a lot of money in that program that could be of help in many other places no doubt about that but it would be sad if we had to stop all funding in that area as I think what we have and can learn is also very valuable.

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   1. 74

      Arthur Fontesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      It could be an opportunity for entrepreneurs to make a workable business by privatizing space exploration.
      
      I have mixed feelings though, the amount of people that would have their lives changed would be tremendous.

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   2. 61

      K Partinposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Ohma, you're right there is a lot of money being spent there. Although it is important so are the homeless and needy. maybe they could shift some of that money towards this issue. Did you know we still have people homeless from Katrina?? That to me is unacceptable. Have a great day and thanks for supporting my hubs. K.

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3. 61

   Ohmaposted 14 years ago

   True that. I am just wondering where all the government money currently being spent on Space Exploration will really end up.

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   1. 74

      Arthur Fontesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      The money does not exist yet.  We just call the Fed and cancel the order for a trillion in cash. LOL

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      1. 61

         Ohmaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         LOL I guess you are right. it is really not a subject I follow a great deal as anything to do with government spending gives me a migraine.

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4. 55

   Sab Ohposted 14 years ago

   Big mistake

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5. 0

   LegendaryHeroposted 14 years ago

   I would like to know his reasons for doing so, I guess I'll just tune into the news later today.
   
   Looks like it's time to invest in....VIRGIN GALACTIC!

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6. 76

   Shadesbreathposted 14 years ago

   I sure hope not.  In one single swoop he will make me hate him and regret the fact that I, for the first time in my life, voted Democrat.  What a horrible, fatal blow for the greatness of this country if he does.  I really, really hope that is not true.  I haven't heard that,so, man, please be wrong.

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   1. 71

      wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Here we agree.
      I don't tend to jump all in when rumors fly around; I'm skeptical about headlines. No reason to doubt Arthur though.
      
      I hope this is one of those headlines that got painted with a wide brush. We'll see.
      I'll be devastated if this is true.

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7. 62

   luvpassionposted 14 years ago

   They have planned to scrap the spaceshuttle program for a long time now because the shuttle's systems are so out of date. Although I haven't heard the rumours about their current projects, my husband has informed me that plans for the international space-station and the newest line of exploration devices are still on-going.
   
   Teri

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8. 71

   wyanjenposted 14 years ago

   I found this on Reuters:
   
   "After years of underinvestment in new technology and unrealistic budgeting, the President's plan will unveil an ambitious plan for NASA that sets the agency on a reinvigorated path of space exploration," the White House said in a statement.
   
   It said the investment in new technology would "help us travel from the Earth's cradle to our nearby Solar System neighborhood in a more effective and affordable way, thus laying the foundation to support journeys to the Moon, asteroids, and eventually to Mars."
   
   The White House-sponsored conference will take place on April 15.
   
   "The conference will focus on the goals and strategies in this new vision, the next steps, and the new technologies, new jobs, and new industries it will create," it said. "Conference topics will include the implications of the new strategy for Florida, the nation, and our ultimate activities in space."
   
   The budget cuts out the Constellation Program, and we've known the shuttles will stop.
   Maybe it was the Constellation Program you heard was getting cut, Arthur.
   

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   1. 74

      Arthur Fontesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I am not sure my local news said there would be an announcement today.
      
      I am just as curious as all of you.

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      1. 71

         wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I'll be watching.
         
         News teasers can be exaggerated. I hope that's all it is.
         Thanks for the heads up Arthur!

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9. 74

   Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

   http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100408/sc_ … pace_obama
   
   
   END OF SHUTTLE PROGRAM
   
   NASA is retiring its three space shuttles in the fall due to cost and safety concerns after three more missions to finish outfitting the International Space Station, a $100 billion project of 16 nations that has been under construction since 1998.
   
   The new U.S. program extends the life of the space station until at least 2020. But thousands of contract employees in Florida alone are expected to lose their jobs due to the end of the shuttle program. Obama's budget also cancels the Bush-era space exploration initiative known as Constellation, which aimed to return astronauts to the moon by 2020. An independent review determined the $108 billion program was severely underfunded, with no hope of reaching its goals.

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   1. 76

      Shadesbreathposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That's more in keeping with the sort of thing I had been hearing.  I can live with that sort of thing.  HOpefully new projects will start up to absorb those people out of work though.  I reckon research companies and labs and even foreign governments will snap them up though.  That kind of experience is pretty hard to find on Monster.com.

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      1. 74

         Arthur Fontesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I hope it turns into privatized space exploration.   Something like that could light a fire in our economy.

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         1. 76

            Shadesbreathposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            It might.  I wonder though.  The expense is so mammoth, and the return on investment is beyond risky and possibly nearing non-existent at least in anything resemblihg "near term."  Maybe a robotic technology or some other advance can be marketed, but really, what's the ROI?  Rich people paying ticket prices to fly around the planet?  If that's the best opportunity for returns, then the technology will be around orbital ships, not deep exploration.
            
            I'm not saying I know how it will turn out.  Just sort of wondering in a rambling kind of way.

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10. 74

    Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

    http://www.virgingalactic.com/
    
    Richard Branson is already ahead of the game.

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