FLORIDA TODAY will cohost an expert discussion tonight about the future of the U.S. space program.
The discussion starts at 7 p.m. at the Bernard Simpkins Fine Arts Center at Brevard Community College's Cocoa campus, 1519 Clearlake Road.
The event is open to the public. We'll also stream the discussion live right here on floridatoday.com and we'll be blogging live.
Space news and analysis from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral 
7 comments:
NASA was already hiring private companies to build Constellation.
What's the new direction with "private" companies?
Not clear.
Nelson wants to fly one more shuttle; what's the gain? Then, when is the next USA human flight to space?
Nelson wants a man Mars mission. When and at what cost and what vehicle scenario?
After shuttle we must launch on Soyuz; how many flights? How much cost per year? Only 3 astronauts at one time, not 7, so what's the net loss in effectiveness?
Bush made a big mistake in the planning of the Constellation program by not developing the replacement on time. Ares/Orion has spent $9 billion and what have they gained? Nothing; the Ares flight was a waste of money! It was not the final configuration and no second stage. To complete the Ares 1 final design would cost another $5 billion and 4 more years.
Orbital fueling stations are not cost effective; you are better to orbit and assemble tanks in space.
Then, you forgot nuclear high thrust propulsion.
The ion engines are not high thrust. They take a long time to accelerate to escape speeds.
A Mars 90 day mission requires 50,000 ft/sec in orbit to get to Mars, then you have to decelerate to be capyured by Mars.
Last minute pork barrel hug fest. What a waste of time and money.
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