Thursday, July 8, 2010

NASA Grounded?

Growing up in the United States during the late 50's early 60's made me part of a generation that was honored with being able to view humanity's first steps into the cosmos.

The cold-war competition between the former U.S.S.R and the U.S.A. made a dream of the ages a reality.
While it was about controlling the high ground, some wonderful things happened along the way.

The former Soviet Union had a number of historic 'firsts' (including, first satellite and first man in space, Yuri Gagarin) developing new technology and pushing the United States to 'better' that effort.

In 1969 one of those dreams was realized when Neil Armstrong planted his booted foot in the lunar dust... humankind had walked on another world.

Many of you don't realize what this space-race did then, and probably fewer of you know the impact both country's space programs have on society, even today.
...you probably would not be reading this message in this format, on this website, on your machine had it not been for the competition between the two superpowers of their time.
I could compile a list of 'spin-off' (stuff we use in everyday life that is a result of spaceflight technology) from the space program so long you would not take the time to read it... I'm sure I'm pushing the limits of anyone reading this right now.

America's space shuttle fleet is to be retired from service after a scheduled November mission. There were plans in place to replace the shuttle with an older-tech 'capsule type vehicle that would use proven technology at a reasonable cost. The shuttle is an aging vehicle and probably should be retired, I have no problem with that.

In the last six months, the Obama Administration has canceled what was to be America's next manned spacecraft, the Constellation program. Opting for private industry to provide a vehicle to put our astronauts into space. A vehicle that no one in private industry has ever been interested in if for no other reason then, where is the return on investment? Until someone comes up with a manned spacecraft for the United States to use, astronauts going to the International Space Station will need to hitch a ride on board the Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
It's nice to know the United States of America, the undisputed leader in manned and unmanned spaceflight, will soon be one political disagreement away from being denied access to even low Earth orbit.

Now... the administration has laid out a new set of priorities for NASA.
Charles Bolden, current NASA Administrator made this clear in a recent interview saying; "When I became the Nasa administrator, he [Mr Obama] charged me with three things. "One, he wanted me to help reinspire children to want to get into science and math; he wanted me to expand our international relationships; and third, and perhaps foremost, he wanted me to find a way to reach out to the Muslim world and engage much more with dominantly Muslim nations to help them feel good about their historic contribution to science, math, and engineering."


Read the full story here..
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7875584/Barack-Obama-Nasa-must-try-to-make-Muslims-feel-good.html

Listen, I have no problem with people of Islamic faith. I honestly do not believe all Muslims are terrorists, or even wish evil on others, period.

NASA has worked with other countries and those of other religious beliefs through its lifetime. It should continue to include anyone and everyone that wishes to contribute to exploration and science.
But a mission to make Muslims 'feel good about their historic contributions: is just plain embarrassing.
Since when does ANYONE need the United States to provide or sanction their good feelings!?

NASA had a charter, a mission. Once the Apollo program competed its run, NASA lost its focus.
The Shuttle and ISS programs again gave NASA soon-to-end direction and purpose.

In head-to-head competition great things happened that benefited all of humanity.
Without the competition, the U.S.'s space program at times suffered without a goal.
Now America has chosen to abdicate its leadership in spaceflight, and perhaps keep us grounded for some time.

Arthur C. Clarke wrote in 2061: Odyssey Three the United States and Russia have been relegated to secondary status in space... China is now the imminent power in spaceflight.
I always enjoyed his mix or history and intelligent sci-fi, now it looks as though the author WAS a prophet.