Where will the United States Space Program go from Here?

[DaltonSkyGazer]

I think there are still many great minds out there in the younger crowd, and always will be, the times are changing yes, but I am optomistic that things will pan out well.

We can try to fight technology or we can apply it for best applications, in the end only useful technology and applications of it will survive. Right now I am a little leary of some of the newer cell and computer technologies being sent out to the masses with capabilities to track our every move and more. This to me is a bit scary, and opens room for abuse.

As far as space program goes, well I think we will just have to see. I like idea of opening up space to private companies very much. I think NASA needs to go through another revamp with some fresh ideas. Very sad to see the Space shuttle program end without something new to replace it, we need more creative minds with strong will to pursue and push us forward with something we have not seen since the 60's.

I think there will always be a certain percent of the population who have strong desire to excel in the world of engineering and the sciences. The fields are vast, confident that these fields will continue to push us forward.

We are not in the middle of WWII or WWI right now, agree overall we are at a relatively peaceful state world wide, although as history says, it always repeats itself, lets hope we all continue to pursue what is good for all. Times are a changing, but I still have great confidence that the majority of people seek to learn new things. It is up to us the teachers to maintain that interest and to spark the imagination.

[DaveW]

The space program is going to mars and then some moons with water. This will happen and both Bush & Obama have said Mars. Its a good thing low orbit is being given to the commercial programs. This is terrific! Should have been done years earlier but its happening. Nasa will be free to focus on the big challenge and thats the planets and a way to get there in a shot amount of time. Its our future.

TBH, both Bush and Obama talk out of the side of their mouths about going to Mars, but it's nothing but hot air. It's great for them to get on TV and talk about a vision for the future and how they're setting up programs to send mankind to another planet for the first time, but when push comes to shove it's all just empty promises. They promise the moon (or Mars, in this case), and then fund a roman candle.

[deaman49]

There's some good honest replies here that all have the same disillusionment with our Country's Leadership and vision; or Lack thereof! They've stollen the hopes and dreams of the young people, while being short sighted with the entire future of our Country. They've all but Bankrupted the Country, and consider it just fine. However, if you ran your personal Finances that was, they'd all but slaughter you. The Governments 'Piggy Bank' Attitude towards Social Security is one fine example. They even deny doing it when it's a matter of Public Record.

Lee

[MANDII]

well ... I have no idea about that , but thank you Lee to raise up such concern that I had never thought of .

[deaman49]

I probably should apologize for my last Post as it touches on subjects that at best should be avoided. My thanks to everyone who has made a reply to this Thread. MANDII, your saying has some real perspective to it.

Lee

[Anotheryahoo]

deaman49, there are so many things having to do with space travel, space telescopes and science that are directly related to what Washington is doing at the moment. Its pretty hard to talk about any of these programs without mentioning how they are being funded or not funded which is allways directly related to politics. You have nothing to apologize for in my view. Our Space Program is directly linked to these winds of change.

[Caparris]

Personally I believe NASA needs much better program management and project budgeting before they'll ever be what they used to be. Granted they really don't get a lot of money to work with when you look at the big picture, but they've got to stay within their means like the private sector has to do. Everyone is tired of them saying it will cost x to build something and y years, and it always takes several times the cost and usually significantly more time as well. It makes it hard to allocate funds for them for projects when everyone is thinking in the back of their minds "what is this really going to cost in the end..?"

The real sad part is they get budget increase after budget increase on projects they're working on, then when they're actually getting somewhere and about to be done with the project, no one wants to give them anymore money when they need just a little more to finish the project up. The end result is a waste of several times the original amount of money a project was supposed to cost and nothing to show for it.

i.e. James Webb telescope. Well, hopefully they don't kill it off. I haven't read any updates on the budget for it in a few weeks so maybe they're keeping that one. That is something they really need to finish, in my opinion anyways.

[Anotheryahoo]

I just wanted to mention case anyone hasnt seen it Nasa just inked a agreement with United Launch Alliance's Atlas 5. Atlas 5 is a very good rocket 26 flights 100%, throw anything on top of it and off you go to the ISS or low orbit. They have to do a few things for a man rating but really not that much, plus falcon has their rocket and capsule,boeing is working on one, others are also etc. I think things look great for Low earth orbit and frees up Nasa to do the Heavy lifting if you will. Im starting to think this is just the little breather Nasa needs to move on to the next step of Mars and perhaps Europa.

[KathyNS]

I just wanted to mention case anyone hasnt seen it Nasa just inked a agreement with United Launch Alliance's Atlas 5. Atlas 5 is a very good rocket 26 flights 100%, throw anything on top of it and off you go to the ISS or low orbit. They have to do a few things for a man rating but really not that much, plus falcon has their rocket and capsule,boeing is working on one, others are also etc. I think things look great for Low earth orbit and frees up Nasa to do the Heavy lifting if you will. Im starting to think this is just the little breather Nasa needs to move on to the next step of Mars and perhaps Europa.

It won't happen. Once private industry has successful launch vehicles in operation, the budget cutters will use it as an excuse to shut down NASA entirely.

[Anotheryahoo]

There would be a huge gigantic public uproar if they even tried. Remember the bureaucrats tried to do that with Hubble. We the public said no way and they went on to squeeze in another Hubble mission that was a huge success. Also Russia made a statement that they will uphold their end of flights to the ISS. If you look at Constellation pieces are still moving forward such as the orion capsule or now called "crew exploration vehicle" its just the details of those big rockets. I still like a modified shuttle design ,remove the shuttle change the configuration but im not a rocket scientist.