Astronauts on the International Space Station took questions Wednesday from President Barack Obama and a group of children. The astronauts eloquently explained the the science and benefits of the ISS, and discussed if artificial gravity could be developed, their thoughts and feelings about being in space, and what they could see from space. “This is really exciting,” said Obama. “We’re investing back here on the ground in a whole array of solar and other renewable energy projects. So to find out you’re doing this up there at the space station is very exciting.”
Obama added, “We wanted to let you know how proud we are of you and how committed we are to continuing human space exploration in the future.”
Let’s hope so.
I told yah.. he’s got something in his pocket! a rocket? Magnetically shaped plasma exhaust anyone?
“We wanted to let you know how proud we are of you and how committed we are to continuing human space exploration in the future.”
It is therefore a shame that he will very likely go down in history as the US President who killed the manned space flight programme. 🙁
@StockportJambo – The ISS is up and only just begun actual science!
Its not like the end of manned space flight… AND consider this, there are several key technologies now on our plate including air launched sub orbiters aka White Knight II and Spaceship II. Then there’s the Roton, DCX, the Lynx and the X-40.
Seems to me that NASA seems to be redirecting our design efforts toward reusable air launch platform(s) that can operate from commercial grade runways. One which would fly to a (Mid ocean equatorial?) launch area and release a sub-orbiter which then climbs to altitude and in turn releases the actual orbiter. The air launch platform and the sub-orbiter fly back to a convenient airport. The sub-orbiter is loaded onto the ALP and both return to base.
AND then there’s magnetically confined plasma jet rocket engines, (Which are atomic powered, and thankfully, only work in a vacuum) that will dramatically reduce the trip times to Mars and beyond!
IN THIS CASE, the air launch platform launches the orbiter directly. The orbiter uses rocket power to reach SCRAM jet speeds and engages that engine. The orbiter gains speed and altitude and when reaching vacuum, shuts down the SCRAM jet and ignites its plasma jet engines and sets a course for the Lunar space station?
Upon reaching the LSS, the orbiter is refueled and configured for Mars transit. The inflatable habitat module is attached to the back of the orbiter in a stowed condition with the central hub module containing a collapsible/retractable centrifugal gravity wheel assembly. The now reconfigured orbiter launches to Mars. After boosting, the orbiter is spun up and the gravity wheel deployed. The crew inflates the habitat ring and moves in for the month long journey.
Upon arriving at Mars, the crew has deflated the habitat module and reconfigures it into a Martian Descent Balloot. This hydrogen filled rigid structure acts initially as an aerobraking anchor, then eventually an aerodynamic dirigible. The dirigible flies in the early morning hours when temperature differences are most pronounced and atmosphere less active?
Eventually a suitable volcanic tube is identified. The dirigible/habitat lands and is reconfigured into a science station/blind/greenhouse/habitat… Explorations anyone?