Russia gains edge in space race as US shuttle bows out

[Ajaxpaul]

But we understand human physiology in zero G, and have for decades. We don't need a space station to go to the moon.

LEO space stations are PR stunts. Believe me, I LOVE the notion of humans in space, but I think we are going about it the wrong way.

When the shuttle came about, I thought they'd haul heavy stuff to orbit (fuel, food, supplies), join them together, tip them with another shuttle, and launch the thing to Mars or the moon. Instead, the shuttle was used to drop off satellites, which we can do unmanned. The best thing they did was fix the Hubble space telescope, but consider - for the cost of 3 or 4 shuttle missions, they could have REPLACED the Hubble.

I can understand the human physiology part..but what about engineering and all in space, if we are going to build bases on moon or mars, we need practice in building at least a Space station, maintain it and project how much will it cost to live in space.

Atleast US and Russia has got the money and talent to do this, It will inspire a lot of countries to contribute and learn about the unknown.

 

[Chogy]

Atleast US and Russia has got the money and talent to do this, It will inspire a lot of countries to contribute and learn about the unknown.

I hope the day comes when it is common and inexpensive. Like I said, I love science fiction, Star Trek, the notion of expanding off this fragile globe. But I'm also a pragmatist. With our current technology, robotic is probably more effective.

We went from the glory of Apollo, the moon, and instead of "One giant leap for mankind", we took a giant leap backwards into LEO. Now, the U.S. has even given that up. For now, at least.