Mars Rover Spirit Falls Silent ...

[Jac de Molay]

Screw Mars. Build a Space Elevator instead. The payoffs would be far better than pelting some desolate rock with expensive TinkerToys.

[Sprayber]

Originally posted by yavoon


well for the most obvious you assume that NASA is comprised entirely of one unmanned mission to mars.

I think the laffability of that should speed u on ur way to a more detailed investigation of ur woeful inadequacies.

You assuming that I assume anything is a big mistake. Assumptions can be major ****ups


Just because I don't have a hard on everytime NASA sends up a probe doesnt mean you can act all smug and think you are somehow connected to the pulse of science. Sure space exploration is good, but perhaps we could start making life here on this planet a little happier.

[lord of the mark]

It almost certainly makes sense to spend a certain amount of money on pure science. Within that it makes sense to spend a certain amount on space exploration and planetary science. Arguing for zero space exploration until every domestic social problem is solved is probably not a good idea - nonetheless there IS a real opportunity cost to space exploration - whether you want to use the money for social programs, in Iraq, or to return to the taxpayers. In that sense, NASA must show a good return in science for the money.

The ISS as currently configured almost certainly does not meet any reasonableness test. Hubble, and most earth orbit research sats certainly do. I suspect the comet probes, solar probes, and deep interplanetary probes, which dont have the costs associated with landing, etc do as well.

The real questions get to landing manned or unmanned on the moon and Mars. I suspect a very good case could be made that a man mission to Mars within the next 15 to 20 years doesnt make a lot of sense. The unmanned missions looked promising - but it must be admitted that the cost benefit ratio is looking pretty poor - I think someone is soon going to have to figure out WHY Mars landing missions are so difficulty prone, before we look to invest more in that direction. Besides, if youre commited to space science, I suspect there are many other space projects other than Mars landings that need funding as well.

[Sprayber]

Originally posted by lord of the mark
It almost certainly makes sense to spend a certain amount of money on pure science. Within that it makes sense to spend a certain amount on space exploration and planetary science. Arguing for zero space exploration until every domestic social problem is solved is probably not a good idea - nonetheless there IS a real opportunity cost to space exploration - whether you want to use the money for social programs, in Iraq, or to return to the taxpayers. In that sense, NASA must show a good return in science for the money.

The ISS as currently configured almost certainly does not meet any reasonableness test. Hubble, and most earth orbit research sats certainly do. I suspect the comet probes, solar probes, and deep interplanetary probes, which dont have the costs associated with landing, etc do as well.

The real questions get to landing manned or unmanned on the moon and Mars. I suspect a very good case could be made that a man mission to Mars within the next 15 to 20 years doesnt make a lot of sense. The unmanned missions looked promising - but it must be admitted that the cost benefit ratio is looking pretty poor - I think someone is soon going to have to figure out WHY Mars landing missions are so difficulty prone, before we look to invest more in that direction. Besides, if youre commited to space science, I suspect there are many other space projects other than Mars landings that need funding as well.

Exactly

[Arrian]

Damn, I hope they get it working again.

-Arrian

[mrmitchell]

NASA officials work around the clock to get this problem fixed, costing taxpayers $$$ in overtime.

In a related story, old person freezes to death in a rundown innercity dwelling without heat in the Northeast because of insufficient funding of social programs to reach her and give assistance.

But did you know that giving people things is COMMUNISM!!!?

[chequita guevara]

You know I'm not opposed to setting up an extensive social safety net, don't you bgf9000?

[rah]

What would the world be like without velcro?

[Japher]

a lot quieter, except for the screaming children as they crack their heads on the sidewalk when they trip over their shoe laces?

[The Mad Monk]

We have to keep advancing, or we will lose it all. Not might, will.

Every step we take that leads us off this planet leads us away from catastrophe.

[MrFun]

Originally posted by rah
What would the world be like without velcro?

Er . . . . .


ferrets and raccoons would not get along as well as they do now??

[rah]

Originally posted by Japher
a lot quieter, except for the screaming children as they crack their heads on the sidewalk when they trip over their shoe laces?

And MrFun, I don't get it.

[MrFun]

Velcro would stick to fur right??

So if ferrets and raccoons got stuck together, obviously they would have to find some way to get along.

[Japher]

MrFun actually had a pretty good role with all his jokes being semi-funny... I think he's taken a step back with this one...

NOT FUNNY!!!

[Agathon]

Originally posted by MrFun
Velcro would stick to fur right??

So if ferrets and raccoons got stuck together, obviously they would have to find some way to get along.

You owe us all ten bucks compensation for having to read that.