Random thoughts on politics, current events, popular culture, and whatever else interests me.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Monday, October 15, 2018
In such a future, where China establishes space dominance, it is likely that we will see the establishment of China-driven “specially managed zones” and China-led adjudication courts to settle disputes. It is highly likely that China will establish dispute mechanisms for space once it establishes “specially managed zones,” say on the lunar surface, or establishes a permanent space presence. That has been the trajectory of its international initiatives here on earth, to include its behavior in the Antarctic.
Imperialism
SpaceIL's spacecraft in a series of environmental tests on its way to th...
Israel shoots for the moon.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Friday, October 12, 2018
NASA and the Roscosmos, the Russian state enterprise that handles spaceflight for that country, now has a big problem on their hands.
A Soyuz spacecraft headed for the International Space Station experienced a launch failure early Thursday. The good news is that the two passengers, NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin have landed safe and have been picked up by a search and rescue helicopter. The bad news is that there is now no reliable means of taking crew to and from the ISS.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
However, a way may be found to do both. The Europa Clipper and Europa Lander are envisioned to be launched to Jupiter space by NASA’s planned heavy-lift Space Launch System. The SLS will be able to lob huge payloads toward Jupiter on a direct flight path, avoiding the time-consuming gravity assist maneuvers that previous probes to the outer planets have had to use.
The problem with the Space Launch System is that it is a fully expendable rocket that could cost between $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion to launch. NASA is struggling to make the SLS more affordable to operate, but the sad fact is that using the heavy-lift rocket is a great expense for the missions to Europa. NASA does have the option of using a commercial rocket, say the SpaceX Falcon Heavy, to launch the twin missions to Europa.
Tuesday, October 09, 2018
Monday, October 08, 2018
Sunday, October 07, 2018
Saturday, October 06, 2018
Friday, October 05, 2018
Will Israel become the next deep space exploration super power? Because of a private expedition to the moon, some are thinking about the possibility of the Jewish state joining the United States, Russia, China, India, and other countries in the exploration of space.
Thursday, October 04, 2018
Wednesday, October 03, 2018
Tuesday, October 02, 2018
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine recently suggested that the space agency seek corporate sponsorships to help augment the meager appropriations Congress grants it to do everything from exploring the solar system to operating the International Space Station. Ideas range from selling naming rights to spacecraft to allowing astronauts to endorse products in exchange for advertising fees.
Monday, October 01, 2018
One of the most astonishing political developments of the 2018 midterm elections is the race between Rep. Robert “Beto” O’Rourke, a Democrat, and Sen. Ted Cruz, the Republican incumbent, for a United States Senate seat in Texas. While O’Rourke has never led Cruz in any poll, he has been unexpectedly close in some, especially considering that Texas is a deep red state. O’Rourke has been as close as one point in the Emerson Poll, but the most recent poll performed by Quinnipiac has him nine points back. Nevertheless, Real Clear Politics has judged the race a tossup.