Hard Light Productions Forums
Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: aldo_14 on July 04, 2006, 06:03:04 am
-
who finds it interesting (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5134022.stm) that the plan for NASA to go back to the moon has resulted in a slashing of budgets for NASAs' science program and climate change studies (satellites)?
-
Yes
-
Learning more about the Sun is - while cool - bad for business, obviously.
On a side note, what exactly is the benefit of going back to the Moon, anyway? I mean, they're obviously not planning any type of permanent or temporary settlement there in the near future, and it's not like there are crazy-rare minerals up there, so is there an actual reason for pumping massive amounts of money into the project other than as a publicity stunt?
-
Well I find this interesting...
-
Learning more about the Sun is - while cool - bad for business, obviously.
On a side note, what exactly is the benefit of going back to the Moon, anyway? I mean, they're obviously not planning any type of permanent or temporary settlement there in the near future, and it's not like there are crazy-rare minerals up there, so is there an actual reason for pumping massive amounts of money into the project other than as a publicity stunt?
Stops China getting there.
EDIT; actually, I have a feeling the moon is potentially rich (or richer than earth) in Helium-3, which is potentially of use as a fuel source for nuclear fusion.
-
Give me some linkage to that fact, <curious>
-
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/helium3_000630.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/226053.stm
and
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/china_moon_030304.html
-
But, according to my extremely credible source within Saudi Arabian Oil Co., Fusion is a very expensive, very wasteful power source that could potentially destroy the entire planet! Frankly, fusion just isn't worth the risk when we've got inexpensive, safe and clean energy systems already running.
...:nervous:
-
But, according to my extremely credible source within Saudi Arabian Oil Co., Fusion is a very expensive, very wasteful power source that could potentially destroy the entire planet! Frankly, fusion just isn't worth the risk when we've got inexpensive, safe and clean energy systems already running.
...:nervous:
:lol:
Does perk ones curiosity does it not?
-
EDIT; actually, I have a feeling the moon is potentially rich (or richer than earth) in Helium-3, which is potentially of use as a fuel source for nuclear fusion.
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/helium3_000630.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/226053.stm
and
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/china_moon_030304.html
So you dont have a feeling, you read it then?
-
So you dont have a feeling, you read it then?
Space telepathy. Aldo just needed to cement his feelings with scientific fact. Also he was abducted and ooo the aliens did some terrible things, and oh how he squeaked YES HE SQUEAKED!
-
Maybe they want to go back to the Moon because they know Mars is too far off, and want a nice, steamy helping of the ol' Space Race spirit?
Honestly, the next goal is a manned mission to Mars, and I think it's pretty absurd that the Russians, Chinese and Europeans, in addition to the US, are all planning trips to the Moon when there's little glory to be had getting there 40 years after America first landed. Though I have read about Russian plans to establish a base on the Moon, which would definitely be awesome, and make the whole thing worth while.
-
*squeak*
-
I know, whats the point of going up and coming back an hour later, We need some permanance, Establish a foothold and set up some sort of relay between any outposts and the ISS when it gets finished......(hypothetical of course)
-
*squeak*
i think hey enjoys that :D
-
The Mars mission got cancelled when someone pointed out that the Solar Radiation would make it pretty much impossible atm, kinda Ironic that they should put a satellite on hold that could have helped to find a solution to that problem in order to go back to the moon...
-
*squeak*
Don't you mean:
SQUEAK.
-
*squeak*
Don't you mean:
SQUEAK.
Only on weekends.
-
They should just kill all NASA's universal research and tell them they've got 20 years to develop viable FTL systems or they get disbanded.
-
That'd be my solution:
You have unlimited funding for two goals:
1) Create a functional FTL drive
2) Find an Earth-like planet in another star system.
You have 20 years to accomplish both goals, if you fail your mission, then you're all fired.
-
Just tell them if they don't build an FTL engine with their existing budget (plus allowances for actual testing exercises and launches) they all die.
-
I had thought the return to the moon was supposed to be some kind of springboard or training to get to Mars.
-
or for fireing missles
-
They should bang some Arks on the Moon, just incase the universe decides to punch or burn the Earth.
-
or for fireing missles
-
I can just imagine an alien fleet coming along and laughing it's arse off because all our orbital defences are pointing the wrong way ;)
-
I can just imagine an alien fleet coming along and laughing it's arse off because all our orbital defences are pointing the wrong way ;)
/me has entered the game
eEe. Tee: LOL terran noobs ur lazers r all fuct up
earth[USA]: stfu aliens well pwn u!!! weve got jebus will smith and tommy le jonez so we win!!! LOL WUT NOW???
earth[UK]: LEEERRROYYYY JENNNNKINNNNSSS!!!
/me launches city-killers
/me ]takes 61 damage
eEe. Tee: LOL pwnage
earth[USA]: goddamit UK u moron
earth[UK]: well... 'least i have a chicken
Etc. Etc. Etc....
-
I can just imagine an alien fleet coming along and laughing it's arse off because all our orbital defences are pointing the wrong way ;)
/me has entered the game
eEe. Tee: LOL terran noobs ur lazers r all fuct up
earth[USA]: stfu aliens well pwn u!!! weve got jebus will smith and tommy le jonez so we win!!! LOL WUT NOW???
earth[UK]: LEEERRROYYYY JENNNNKINNNNSSS!!!
/me launches city-killers
/me ]takes 61 damage
eEe. Tee: LOL pwnage
earth[USA]: goddamit UK u moron
earth[UK]: well... 'least i have a chicken
Etc. Etc. Etc....
earth[UK]: We have Bond, Teh Quatermass Doc, The Who meister and...........STIFF UPPER LPS WITH MUFFINS !! what what tally ho....
-
Yeah, all of the really useful projects seem to have been cut.
My guess is because there's more glory in going to the moon than hitching rides with the Russians to the ISS because our primary vehicles are ****
or for fireing missles
That would be the most realistic reason, however, I think satellites are still cheaper
-
or for fireing missles
That would be the most realistic reason, however, I think satellites are still cheaper
Not so realistic in my humble opinion. It takes a whole lot of energy and money to get the missiles up there in the first place. Then you need a rocket to launch them back. Unless you use really powerful (and expensive) rockets it would take a couple of days for the missiles to reach Earth, giving the enemy more time to prepare counteractions. And using satellites to lauch warheads doesn't sound efficient either. You can't attack a specific target from low Earth orbit at any given moment. Or you could but the plane change manouvers would require more delta-v and therefore more capable delivery vehicles. And satellites are more vulnerable to enemy attacks. Then there are maintenance issues.
Ballistic missiles are the way to go.
-
Or we could just refrain from killing each other. :rolleyes:
-
You mean no rocket launches and mushroom clouds? Where's the fun in that?
-
I predicted "Where's the fun in that." to be the exact reply to what I just said. I was close. :p
-
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/07/07/usb_missle_war_breaks_out/