Value of space science questioned

Associated Press ^ | Tuesday, May 27, 2003

[presidio9]

Some experts say microgravity research conducted by astronauts in space doesn't appear to produce much value for scientists.

Academics and scientists on both sides of the debate over scientific value of human spaceflight have disagreed for decades.

Differing opinions have erupted in the aftermath of space shuttle Columbia's disintegration over Texas on February 1, leaving seven astronauts dead.

[New Horizon]

Wasn't silicone invented specifically for the space program? That's the best invention since duct-tape, and has at least three great uses:

1. Works great around tubs, showers, and toilets.
2. Prevents water from leaking through gaps on my 1997 Avenger's sunroof.
3. Implants.

[presidio9]

Yes, but what, then, is the sound of one hand clapping?

[headsonpikes]

"There is no 'nothing'..."

Correction: "There ain't no nothin'."

;^)

[eBelasco]

Space science is great, as long as my taxmoney isn't paying for it.

[Frank_Discussion]

Why must Mars be a place explored only nation-states? Why would private enterprise be shut out?

[BlazingArizona]

Why waste good money on nothing?

So let's send Indians. They're bright, cheap, and we're already using them for everything else. We'll sit back and watch the game on the tube.

[ffusco]

Correction: "T'aint nothin'."

: )

[ffusco]

Who would back the securities for such an enterprise?

[ffusco]

Listen....

* * * *

hear that?
; )

[gcruse]

What is spotrep?

[Frank_Discussion]

Good question to which I have no crystal-ball answer. But just because I don't have the business answer for you doesn't mean it isn't out there.

[ffusco]

Please- China can barely tie her shoes.

[from occupied ga]

The young scientists are creating our future

Totally irrelevant and not true anyway. How many of them have published peer review papers - (not science fair projects)? The entire problem with the space program is that it is taxpayer supported. Obviously those who are paying for it don't see any value in it. The only ones who see value in it are the ones who are recipients of the pelf.

Not to pick on the space program in particular, but for every greedy hand that is eagerly accepting the loot stolen by the government there is a person (the one who gets the plunder) who is a passionate advocate of tax and spend (tax the other guy and let me spend it). If there were true market value to the space program it would be supported by businesses who would be lining up to invest their dollars in it.

[y2k_free_radical]

A POPULAR MECHANICS article estimates cost of ISS at $100,000,000

[ffusco]

Just using big Capital improvements as a guide. Dams and "big digs" are funded by municipal bonds.

[y2k_free_radical]

correction-$100,000,000,000

[RightWhale]

Why must Mars be a place explored only nation-states?

Until such time as transportation costs to Mars and back come down to commercial levels, only the collective can afford it. Although using such a term as the 'collective' dredges up memories of the bad old days of Krushshev, Stalin, the Korean War, Mao, and all that, the 'collective' is what we have when it comes to many of our national programs, and the private businessman cannot compete. It is impossible.

So it is collective versus collective, nation versus nation, counting the EU as a single nation [to soon to tell.] If the government chunked out cars by the million at a loss, Henry Ford couldn't compete. That's where space exploration is right now. The government is in, and the private sector is limited to bidding on gov't contracts.

While there are some areas of space usage already in the private sector such as the broadcast and communications media, they are regulated down to the mouse's squeek. Space tourism is a possibility, but such a business would be tiny when fully developed compared to most economic sectors. Lots of glamour, though.

Gov't has ensured itself of a monopoly in space. The monopoly won't be broken unless gov't opens the door. You may choose your flavor, but the meal is the controlled economy. I wish it were otherwise.

[KevinDavis]

The problem with science in general nowadays is that people see things short term. Not long term. The reason for those microgravity experiments is that so humans can go to Mars and beyond with no problem. Is NASA a joke nowadays yes. Should human spaceflight continue yes! Unless you want the chicoms to take over the US in space exploration we better get our butts in gear!

[MarketR]

Why must Mars be a place explored only nation-states? Why would private enterprise be shut out?

Because the federal government was short-sighted in the past...specifically 1967, and signed away commercial rights to the UN.!

See here...1967 UN Treaty on Space. Read article one!
http://history.nasa.gov/1967treaty.html

[headsonpikes]

If nature abhors a vacuum, I don't see why I shouldn't, as well.

;^)