Go ESA!

I don''t know, but all I have to say is a little competition would be a VERY good thing. The reason why NASA funding has been declining overall in the past decade is because the US really hasn''t had any major competetion in the space area. I think it would do everyone good if we had a little friendly space race again.

I agree, allthough in my head the exploration of space is by far exciting enough by itself it seems that a competition makes it exciting enough for politicians aswell.

Ha! My rocket is bigger than your rocket!
Nu huh!
Un Huh!
I''m telling!
Polititians, what are you arguing about?
Nothin...

The US space program is a JOKE. Seriously, why not try updating your ship designs? Retire a couple of the space shuttles? Find more safe ways to get people into space?

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I watched the recent launch of the Ariane-5 (with an Indian and a US satellite on board, I think), was very impressive. It's by far the technically most advanced orbital launcher available to date. Shame the first launch failed a couple of years ago, but now the system seems to be fully operational. I find the ESA funding a very good thing. Ariane-Espace will become the market leader in orbital carriers again, as it has been for many years before the failure of that first A-5.

Now, I'm not so sure about actually sending people into space. Extremely costly, and currently, I don't see any need for this. NASA is pretty much out currently, with the huge costs for the Iraq war, tax cuts, etc, there is not much left for the space program. Yeah, it's a good time for ESA to take the lead. The Russian are also considering to join ESA, would be a good thing too. Perhaps should we try planning a Mars mission, now that would be an interesting challenge

[edited by - Yann L on May 28, 2003 12:34:33 PM]

quote:

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Original post by AnonymousPosterChild
The US space program is a JOKE. Seriously, why not try updating your ship designs? Retire a couple of the space shuttles? Find more safe ways to get people into space?

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Perhaps you need to consider the cost. The most recent space shuttle cost 2.1 BILLION dollars (you can understand why there are only 3 of them in service [+1 for the Columbia]). For that kind of money you could buy a B2 bomber.

quote:

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Original post by Michalson

Perhaps you need to consider the cost. The most recent space shuttle cost 2.1 BILLION dollars (you can understand why there are only 3 of them in service [+1 for the Columbia]). For that kind of money you could buy a B2 bomber.

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Or fight in Iraq for 4 days...

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