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Virtual Worlds To Keep Martian Astronauts Sane?
2008-01-05 04:04:00
(Image Credit: NASA)While NASA has dedicated hundreds (if not thousands) of scientists and engineers to ensure that the future humans traveling to Mars make it back to Earth in one piece, they have paid a lot less attention to the fact of them getting homesick.In order to help lift their spirits (and perhaps counter cabin fever) NASA is considering building a "Second Life" virtual world that would enable them to communicate with friends and family.(Wired.com) While aerospace engineers are designing the Ares rockets to be deployed in the Mars missions, a more starry-eyed contingent at NASA is testing networking and virtual reality technologies that they think will connect the first wave of Mars pioneers with their families, friends and colleagues back on Earth, in a 3-D virtual world cut from the mold of Second Life or World of Warcraft."We want to help our remote explorers 'phone home' in a way that lets them sit around a dinner table with their family, help their children with ho...
More About: Astronauts , Worlds , Virtual

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (35th Edition)
2008-01-05 02:47:00
The 35th Carnival of Space is up over at Bruce's Flying Singer, with entries spread out over two separate posts.Some interesting discussions include:Paul Gilster of Centauri Dreams discusses whether or not humans should announce our presence to the rest of the Universe via active SETI (as well as the consequences of doing so).Brian Wang of Advanced NanoTechnology provides a fresh new look at solar power satellites in low orbit, which could be built a lot sooner than we think.Brian Dunbar of Space for Commerce (who works for LiftPort) wonders if space gold could be the key element to motivate the masses towards space.Jonathan Goff of Selenian Boondocks (who works at Masten Space) suggests that the next lunar landing vehicle should be equiped with ejection seats (as parachutes would be useless in space).Those were some of the interesting articles that caught my eye during this round of the Carnival of Space.If anyone is interested in joining our growing "space gang," you can contact ...
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Russia Backing Out Of Space Tourism?
2008-01-02 22:31:00
Despite pioneering the "newspace" movement (with the help of Space Adventures), it looks as if the nation responsible for getting us into space has decided to push space tourism to the wayside--at least for now.(Physorg.com) "It has to do with international agreements that stipulate that from 2009 the (ISS) crew must be made up of six people if Japanese and European scientific modules are launched," said Roskosmos chief Anatoly Perminov. "In this case there will be no room for space tourists," Perminov told a news conference, adding that space tourism making use of Russia n vessels and the ISS would therefore be "rather problematic". "I'm afraid that from 2009, tourism as we see it today may be discontinued," he said. With the space shuttle scheduled to retire early, many nations are looking towards Russia to transport their astronauts to and from the International Space Station (or ISS), hence the reason for placing space tourism on the back burner.While this may be a setback for S...
More About: Tourism , Space Tourism , Backing

Video: Merry Christmas (Plus Carnival Of Space)
2007-12-24 21:47:00
The 34th Carnival of the Space Geeks is up over at Rainer Gerhards Spaceflight blog, with a host of interesting articles ranging from Scramjets alternatives to free books about Mars.There are also some spectacular astronomy images over at Bad Astronomy.For those of you enjoying your holiday break, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas , or Solemn Festivus, which ever you prefer.I would also like to thank the many readers who spend time reading this little web journal of mine, as well as to the host of others out there who still believe that there is more to space than watching Star Trek, and are willing to share ideas to make this happen.For your enjoyment, here is a video from the show Firefly, which for those of you who are not Browncoats can enjoy over at Hulu.com for free. Enjoy!Update: Video size adjusted to fit within post. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violators (and hosts) can be prosecuted under national and international laws.
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Gravity Suits For Off World Children
2007-12-19 07:01:00
When one gazes upon the heavens that surround our fragile globe, one can not help but wonder what human civilization will look like as future generations dance upon foreign worlds.With the final frontier ahead of us, our crowded world loses its Earthly appeal and seems to only regain it when viewed from the surface of its little sister Luna.Unfortunately for our species, our bodies were simply not designed for living abroad, as the sub-Earth gravity has a way at reducing our hearts, bones and muscles into "malleable clay."Not even our own immune system is not safe from the ravages of micro gravity. To counter this, some have proposed constructing orbital space stations, while others may be looking at medical science to cure their gravitational woes.While either of these paths would enable us to dwell among the heavens in some form or fashion, one may be too expensive to replicate across our star system while the other may be riddled with side affects.Neither of these would allow us ...
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Toshiba: A Micro Nuclear Reactor?
2007-12-19 06:39:00
(Hat Tip: Mars Rover Blog)With energy becoming the "word of the day" (at least among politicians) many people are taking a fresh look at nuclear power.Apparently it seems as if one company has found a way to shrink today's nuclear reactors into a more portable size--twenty by six feet to be exact.(Next Energy News) The 200 kilowatt Toshiba designed reactor is engineered to be fail-safe and totally automatic and will not overheat. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors the new micro reactor uses no control rods to initiate the reaction. The new revolutionary technology uses reservoirs of liquid lithium-6, an isotope that is effective at absorbing neutrons. The Lithium-6 reservoirs are connected to a vertical tube that fits into the reactor core. The whole whole process is self sustaining and can last for up to 40 years, producing electricity for only 5 cents per kilowatt hour, about half the cost of grid energy.While citizens on Earth may be nervous about having a nuclear reactor near ...
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Construction Company Helps NASA With Lunar Lifting
2007-12-19 05:38:00
(Image Credit: Universe Today)As we gaze towards the heavens, and wonder about the future, one often overlooked aspect of space colonization is construction.Whether we like it or not, we may have to actually build houses on the Moon, as not every lunar colony may be able to inflate its way towards habitation.One company, called Caterpillar, is seeking to create a remote controlled construction machines to help NASA build bases on lunar soil.(Universe Today) Caterpillar has proposed a multi-terrain loader for lunar surface development. Currently, they are working with NASA to develop the technology to augment existing earth moving equipment with sensors and on-board processors to provide time-delayed tele-operational control. The loader would be able to undertake regolith moving such as grading, leveling, trenching, strip-mining, excavating and habitat covering. It also could be used for construction of lunar bases, the deployment or relocation of surface assets, as well as for mobil...
More About: Company , Construction , Nasa , Lunar , Lifting

Spacesuits Of The Future...For Today?
2007-12-19 05:07:00
(Image Credit: Orbital Outfitters via The Future of Things) While space suits have to be safe, who says that they have to be boring?While many companies are in the process of developing unique "solar wear" for future astronauts, it looks as if Orbital Outfitters is concentrating on creating fashionable spacesuits for the emerging space industry.(The Future of Things) Jeff Feige, CEO of Orbital Outfitters, said his company will soon reveal a model of a passenger spacesuit as well, adding that space travel reservations are quickly piling up. "Our mission is to provide low-cost, industrial quality spacesuits and related services to companies providing commercial and government space travel" – he said. ...The spacesuit's inner layer is made from breathable materials, such as polyurethane, which is capable of preserving the atmospheric pressure level and of extracting sweat from the material underneath it. Details in regards to other fabrics that comprise the IS3C have yet to be dis...
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Carnival Of The Space Geeks (33 Rotations)
2007-12-19 04:22:00
Last weeks Carnival of Space was hosted by Fraser of Universe Today.A few (of the many) articles that stood out included:Stuart Atkinson of Cumbrian Sky thinks we are actually going to miss having the NASA shuttles around (note: are you serious?) while Mark Whittington thinks SpaceX may actually save NASA from the "launch gap."Brian Wang of Advanced Nanotechnology enlightens everyone on what it would take to launch magnetic sails from Earth, while Paul Gilster of Centauri Dreams posts about how discovering the secrets to the solar wind could help speed up travel throughout the solar system, and beyond.Last but not least Space Cynics has a post that will help deflate some of the optimism in the NewSpace arena, although his articles do help to keep all of us "grounded." (pun intended--with kindness of course!)Those wishing to join the fun can submit articles for Thursdays round (of the Carnival of Space) to Fraser over at info [at] universetoday [dot] com or CarnivalOfSpace [at] Gmail...
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Lagrange Way Stations: The Key Towards Interplanetary Trade?
2007-12-12 22:32:00
(Image: Deep Space 9, Credit: Star Trek)Several thousand years ago, an empire called Rome used its extensive road system to keep communication and trade flowing throughout its empire.Today, like Rome, the nations on Earth depend upon sea routes, railways and airplanes to safely transport goods and people across our planet.But unlike the fixed destination points that span our busy world, space will pose a unique problem for future colonies. Since each planet orbits our Sol star at different speeds, sending frequent goods towards outposts off world may prove to be a bit of a challenge, especially if one factors in space pirates. Whether composed of enormous orbital space stations or a fleet of armed star ships, future solar governments may want to construct way stations at various Lagrange points to ensure that they arrive at their destinations intact.Sometimes referred to by scientists as the "three body problem," would provide stable orbits for whatever star ship was able fly within...
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Regenerative Fuel Cells: Power For Lunar Nights?
2007-12-12 22:09:00
(Image: Regenerative fuel cell, Credit: NASA) One of the biggest "show stoppers" against humanity colonizing the Moon is energy. While solar power can easily collect energy from the sun during a "lunar day," its the nights that might quite literally leave us in the dark.While Germany has developed a unique way to power future off world outposts, it looks as if another scientist may have found a longer lasting method for keeping the lunar lights on.(Moon Today) A typical hydrogen fuel cell combines hydrogen from a tank and oxygen from the air to produce electricity, leaving water and heat as its only byproducts. A regenerative fuel cell also works in reverse, using electricity to divide the water into hydrogen and oxygen, which are fed back into the fuel cell to produce more electricity."What makes our regenerative fuel cell unique is that it's closed loop and completely sealed," Bents said. "Nothing goes in and nothing comes out, other than electrical power and waste heat. The hydr...
More About: Power , Fuel , Lunar , Nights , Fuel Cell

Algeria And Ukraine Teaming Up For Space?
2007-12-12 21:55:00
It looks as if another space alliance has formed recently between two aspiring space powers. Ukraine and Algeria have signed an agreement to help promote each others civilian space programs in an already competitive field.(Space Fellowship) On the 5th of December, 2007 during the official visit of NSAU delegation to Algeria, there was signed a Framework Agreement on cooperation in exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. The Framework agreement was signed on behalf of the NSAU by Director General Yuriy Alekseyev and on behalf of the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) by Director General Azedin Oussedik.While this agreement is great for both nations, they should probably attempt to expand it to their neighbors (if they are friendly that is) as launching a rocket towards the heavens is not exactly cheap.As more and more nations head into space, it will be interesting to see ...

NASA Plans On Kidnapping Martian Soil
2007-12-12 04:32:00
Even though NASA has already sent robots to see if Martian soil is fertile, the space agency still desires to study the red dirt under terrestrial eyes.(Mars Today) NASA and an international team are developing plans and seeking recommendations to launch the first Mars mission to bring soil samples back to Earth. The ability to study soil from Mars here on Earth will contribute significantly to answering questions about the possibility of life on the Red Planet. Returned samples also will increase understanding of the useful or harmful properties of Martian soil, which will support planning for the eventual human exploration of Mars. A task force named the International Mars Architecture for Return of Samples, or IMARS, recently met in Washington to lay the foundation for an international collaboration to return samples from Mars. NASA hosted the meeting. IMARS meeting participants included representatives from more than half a dozen countries and NASA, the European Space Agency, or...
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Earth's Magnetic Field: A Shield For Lunar Astronauts?
2007-12-12 04:06:00
(Image Credit: NASA)After a "brief" delay, humanity will once again send a few brave souls to visit the lunar world that orbits our home planet. However if we are going to live upon that barren world, humanity will have to find a way to deal with the cosmic radiation that can bombard the lunar surface.While scientists have yet to create a portable magnetic field to shield future explorers, they are looking at the possibility of "borrowing Earth's" to protect lunar astronauts.(Physorg.com) Earth is largely protected by its magnetic field, or magnetosphere, but new University of Washington research shows that some parts of the moon also are protected by the magnetosphere for seven days during the 28-day orbit around Earth. "We found that there were areas of the moon that would be completely protected by the magnetosphere and other areas that are not protected at all," said Erika Harnett, a UW assistant research professor of Earth and space sciences. While a week of protection is bett...
More About: Astronauts , Shield , Field , Lunar , Magnetic

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (32nd Edition)
2007-12-11 04:16:00
Last week's Carnival of Space was hosted by Ed Minchau over on Robot Guy.Posts ranged from raging volcano's on Io to visiting Mars but "never touching it," to even a brief history regarding the fall and (hopeful) rise of the solar sail.Brian Wang (who recently became a father--congrats!!!) has an interesting roundup of his favorite launch systems, one which may be cheaper than a space elevator.The next Carnival of Space is coming up in a few days, and if anyone is interested in submitting articles to the next round can visit Universe Today for the details. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violators (and hosts) can be prosecuted under national and international laws.
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Making Space Relevant: It's The Energy Stupid!
2007-12-05 23:57:00
Can two walk together, except they be agreed? ~Amos 3:3 During this holiday season, one may find it quite easy to strike up conversations with strangers regarding snow, caroling and which toys to buy for their kids (make sure that they are safe).One could easily discuss the current war in Iraq, or even politics with their neighbor, as they (like Santa) are stuck on everyone's mind.But when it comes to talking about the final frontier, you may find people's eyes either glaze over in confusion, or scoff at the idea of wasting billions more in sending people to the moon.So how do you, the average space enthusiast, engage an audience more interested in Nintendo Wii's than exploring the cosmos?Answer: You avoid all the excuses to justify human space exploration, and instead convert its reason for existence into "common cents."If someone were to ask you why humanity should spend a $100 billion to put yet more men on the Moon, you should quickly reply "because its the energy stupid!" (n...
More About: Space , Energy , Stupid , Relevant

Would You Want To Own (Future) SpaceX Stock?
2007-12-05 22:47:00
Elon Musk, founder of Space Exploration Technologies (or SpaceX for short) has indicated that his company may consider going public in two years.Despite being privately funded by the self made billionaire, SpaceX may acquire some serious cash in the future as Elon seeks to play off his company against rivals--both foreign and domestic.(Reuters) Musk said he aims to put payloads into space for one-quarter to one-third of what his domestic competitors charge. He said he could beat by one-half the cost of international competitors including China, which he called the biggest potential competitor.A spokeswoman for the rocket joint venture between Boeing Co and Lockheed Martin, United Launch Alliance, did not return a request for comment."I think going public might be some time in late 2009 ... something on that order," he said in a telephone interview from his headquarters in Hawthorne, California.Reducing the cost of travel will not only guarantee the profitability of the company (not ...
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NASA Rediscovers Cyberspace, Gets A New Look
2007-12-05 20:31:00
The boys and girls at NASA have (finally) redesigned their website, giving the agency a flashier presence in the digital world.(SpaceRef.com) "We're very excited to roll this new version of nasa.gov out for the public," said Brian Dunbar, NASA's internet services manager at Headquarters, Washington. "We've been able to add new functionality to the site, broaden and simplify the navigation to NASA's wide range of content and still keep the features that users liked best about the old design. All together, the new design will make it much easier for users to complete their top tasks." ..."This new approach to the NASA home page arose from ongoing feedback from the site's users, which we get continuously through e-mails, customer-satisfaction surveys and traffic statistics," Dunbar added. "The initial concepts and subsequent iterations have been put through three rounds of user testing with external audiences. We're proud of the initial reaction to the new design and the entire...
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Space Angels To Invest In Our Solar Future
2007-11-04 04:45:00
(Image Credit: Toon Tracker, via Reason Magazine) In an era where the only way for a space firm to make a small fortune, is to start out with a large one, many companies have struggled to take their ideas beyond the power point presentations and into the "metal shop."Now it appears as if some angel investors have formed the Space Angels Network in order financially seed promising space companies, enabling them see if any of their ideas will blossom.(Hobby Space) Space Angels Network, LLC, (www.spaceangelsnetwork.com) a virtual network of angel investors focused on seed- and early-stage investments for space-related ventures, announced today the launch of its operations in the U.S. and Canada. The company's online platform and strategic relationships with venture finance and technology innovation organizations allow individual accredited investors to connect with space entrepreneurs for financing their innovative ventures."There is no question that a gap currently exists in the fina...
More About: Future , Solar , Invest

Should We Grow Lichen On Mars?
2007-11-04 04:14:00
(Image Credit: L. Sancho, via New Scientist Space) Lichen, known for growing upon rocks, trees and run down buildings seems to be able to thrive in an hostile environment that would kill most (if not all) complex life forms.(New Scientist Space) Once in Earth orbit, the lid of the container opened and the samples were exposed to the space environment for nearly 15 days before the lid resealed and the capsule returned to Earth.The lichens were subjected to the vacuum of space and to temperatures ranging from -20°C on the night side of the Earth, to 20°C on the sunlit side. They were also exposed to glaring ultraviolet radiation of the Sun."To our big surprise, everything went fine after the flight," says Rene Demets, ESA's project scientist for the Foton project. "The lichens were in exactly the same shape as before flight."In order to survive the hostilities of space, the lichens reverted to a dormant state until they were able to encounter more favorable conditions again. Ironic...
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Bigelow Aerospace, Space Florida To Create Another "COTS?"
2007-11-04 02:55:00
(Hat Tip: Hobby Space )Bigelow Aerospace, known for launching prototype space stations into orbit is partnering with Space Florida in order to fund their own version of COTS for the sun shine state.(SpaceRef) "Our interest in this relationship is driven by Space Florida's exclusive qualifications," said Robert Bigelow President of Bigelow Aerospace. "With a distinctive aerospace manufacturing and launch infrastructure, and a vibrant workforce with deep expertise in systems development, Florida is uniquely positioned to facilitate the development of commercial space transportation systems." "Diversification of the Florida aerospace industry - a critical path for bringing in new business and job opportunities - is one of three key areas of Space Florida's focus during the last 12 months," Kohler added. "This agreement creates a relationship between Florida and one of the leading entrepreneurial space firms, Bigelow Aerospace, and, if successful, will allow the State to become the fut...
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Delicious: Martian Menu May Include Bugs
2007-11-04 02:34:00
Often seen as a nuisance in the west, bugs may be a future staple of Martians everywhere--at least according to Japan.(Discover Magazine) Now insects may become the next food frontier for space cuisine. The Space Agriculture Task Force, affiliated with the Japanese space agency, is looking for ways to feed astronauts on extended missions, like on a stint to Mars. A long stay on the Red Planet would require travelers to grow their own food, but a vegetable- and grain-based diet doesn't efficiently supply fats and amino acids.While they lack the appeal of a ripe banana or a juicy steak, Martians may end dining on these "cute" creatures out of necessity, rather than as a delicacy. Bugs would be easy to raise and grow, and could be easily fed on leftovers from colonists veggie dishes.However, if humanity ever desires to support large populations on Mars, pigs may provide a much better option. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violators (and hosts) can...
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China Building Greener, Heavier Rockets
2007-11-04 02:00:00
With all of the talk regarding global warming (whether you believe its real or not), one thing is for certain--people are paying a lot more attention on how we treat our environment.In order to keep up with the times, the red dragon from the east has not only decided to create larger rockets, but make them environmentally friendly as well.(Space Daily) China is building a new range of carrier rockets designed to send heavyweight satellites into space, boosting the current carrying capacity by nearly three times, a space expert has said. The Long March 5 rockets will be able to carry payloads of up to 25 tons for low earth orbit satellites, up from the current limit of 9.2 tons, said Wu Yansheng, president of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), which is developing the new series of launch vehicles. ...In addition to bigger capacity, the Long March 5 rockets will be designed using pollution-free technologies, Wu said.While building "greener" rockets may mean littl...
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Carnival Of The Space Geeks: Episode 27
2007-11-04 01:20:00
(Image Credit: E.T: The Extra Terrestrial)Fraiser Cain of Universe Today hosted the Carnival of Space this week with highlights from some interesting posts ranging from alternative theories regarding dark matter to how our galaxy resembles a pizza pie.Fraiser also announced that he will be taking over the reigns of the event from the founder Henry Cate, who kicked off the very first carnival a long, long time ago in a place not so far away (at least online).For those wishing to join the digital fray, you can email Frasier for more details at info [at] universetoday [dot] com (die, spam bots die!) for more details.Note: Hopefully I'll be able to submit an article next week, as it has been neglected in my draft files for way too long.Update: Inserted image credit. Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violators (and hosts) can be prosecuted under national and international laws.
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Rocketplane Global Designs A Larger Spaceship
2007-11-04 00:01:00
(Image Credit: Rocketplane Global , Inc.)While there are many space firms are attempting to bring the universe to the masses (at least the moderately wealthy ones), very few of these companies have "the right stuff" to survive this increasingly crowded market.With the competition heating up in the space tourism arena, Rocketplane Global has recently redesigned their spaceship in order to increase the number of passengers flying on board.(MSNBC) The redesigned XP space plane could start flying in 2010, depending on the results of a final round of fundraising, said David Faulkner, program manager for the suborbital project. ...The main difference is that engineers dropped the idea of retrofitting a commercial Learjet with a rocket. Instead, they redid the design from scratch to make the fuselage 10 percent wider, Faulkner said. That provided enough extra room to add two more seats to the craft's original four-seat configuration — boosting the potential revenue from each flight by ...
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Space Babies: Cockroaches Conceived In Space
2007-10-24 21:36:00
(Image Credit: Wm Jas via Flickr) While breeding in space has been a topic with some (obvious) controversy associated with it, a few Russian scientists are examining what happens to animals that are conceived among the cosmos.(Space Fellowship) Though the newborn creatures already eat and drink respectively well, microgravity conditions may have had an impact on the natural darkening of their chitinous carapace, a part of a cockroach's exoskeleton."Cockroaches are born with a transparent carapace, which gradually turns into brown, and the space cockroaches went darker earlier than usual," the scientist explained, adding that final conclusions would only be able to drawn only after the second female had given birth.While breeding cockroaches is a start, hopefully scientists will be able to find a higher animal, preferable a mammal (such as a mouse or pig) and allow the animal to not only be conceived in space, but perhaps birthed there as well.Doing so is the only way to determine w...
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Baby Step: Reversing Bone Loss In Micro Gravity
2007-10-24 21:16:00
(Hat Tip: IsraGood)One of the greatest dangers of living in micro gravity (and even reduced gravity) is bone loss. Without a medical solution, our species may have to resort to living upon orbital space stations, or even weighted suits for those living off world.However new research in the medical field may lead towards developing medicine counteracting the affects of micro gravity--at least for women.(Israel 21st Century) Se-cure's flagship product Femarelle, which is now available in 15 countries around the world, is derived through a unique enzymatic procedure that creates a specific biochemical composition proven to combine the treatment of menopausal symptom relief and bone loss. ...Femarelle has been proven in clinical studies to exert stimulatory activity on the estrogen receptors that control menopausal symptoms and the process of bone build-up, while having a blocking effect on estrogen receptors in the breast and the uterus. Moreover, Femarelle was shown to have a uniqu...
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UFO's Inspired The Founder Of Bigelow Aerospace?
2007-10-24 20:32:00
(Hat Tip: Hobby Space) Some people desire to visit the stars because of a few resources. Others are motivated simply by their existence. But Robert T. Bigelow , founder of Bigelow Aerospace, wants to taste the cosmos in order to establish "first contact."(Wired Magazine) His signature quirk, however, is an obsession with space that extends beyond his business interests. In addition to the $100million Bigelow has already put into BA (and the $400million more he has promised), he has doled out millions to fund research into alien abductions and UFO sightings. He's done some of the work himself, personally interviewing hundreds of people who claim to have had extraterrestrial encounters. In fact, one of the main reasons he's so eager to get his stations launched is that he thinks they might provide a step toward making contact. ...(page 3) Years before he started building space habitats, Bigelow began looking for the truths he was sure were out there. He says he has met with more th...
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Is NASA Trying To Provoke A Space Race?
2007-10-24 19:16:00
Despite the fact that NASA has gained additional funding for its quest towards the stars, the space agency faces an enormous problem.With a major Presidental candidate expressing disinterest in returning humans to the Moon, and Congress against sending Americans to Mars, NASA may be attempting to spark interest in human space exploration by promoting America's Asian rival.(Orlando Sentinel) Aides acknowledge that Griffin -- like the rest of the space community -- is hoping for some kind of a "Sputnik moment," an event capable of driving public demand for space exploration as the Soviet Union's launch of the first satellite did 50 years ago. And recently, he has been warning that America is already falling behind China's aggressive space program. ...But there is considerable question whether Griffin's invocation of China -- or even his assertion that space exploration is important to U.S. national security -- will move a Congress or a public that each year seems less enthusiast...
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Nigeria Seeks Out The Final Frontier
2007-10-20 03:43:00
Of all the nations with an excuse not to invest in the final frontier, Nigeria would be it. Infested with numerous problems ranging from disease to corruption, Nigeria has every excuse to refrain from embracing the cosmos above as apart of its inheritance.But despite being a prime example of a third world nation, Africa's largest country (population wise) is looking towards the heavens to solve its problems below.(Wired.com) Boroffice thinks space technology is the key to addressing such woes relatively cheaply and efficiently. For example, NASRDA spent $13 million, less than 0.1 percent of the nation's budget, in the 2003 launch of NigeriaSat-1, an advanced imaging satellite that punches its weight with 1990s satellites in the $300 million class. NigeriaSat-1 -- the first satellite to provide close-up images of the after-effects of Hurricane Katrina -- helped sow the seeds of technological development in a nation that needs engineers, infrastructure and IT. ..."There are semina...
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