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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Poll Results: Is Google's Lunar X-Prize Good For Humanity?
2007-10-20 02:34:00
Over on the sidebar of Colony Worlds, this author ran a mini poll asking readers whether or not Google's X-Prize was of any benefit to humanity.The poll closed four days ago with a grand total of 26 votes. Here are the results below:Question: Is Google's Lunar X-Prize Good For Humanity ?Choice 1: Yes, as it helps us reach the moon (17 votes or 65%)Choice 2: No, as it won't reduce the cost of rocket launches (3 votes or 11%)Choice 3: Maybe, if they provide more money (1 vote or 3%)Choice 4: No, as going to Mars is more important (1 vote or 3%)Choice 5: Yes, as we can finally discover what moonbats are (4 votes or 15%)The next poll will deal with who will colonize the Moon first, which was inspired by Mike Griffin's comments regarding China.Thanks to everyone who participated in the poll, and I am looking forward to the results of the next! (and no, moonbats will not be apart of this unscientific survey). Content Copyright 2006-2007 of Colony Worlds. All Rights Reserved. Violator...
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Carnival Of The Space Geeks (Sorting Out Science)
2007-10-20 01:28:00
Sam Wise of Sorting Out Science hosted this week's Carnival of Space .Despite being new to the event (at least to this author) Sam created a very professional layout for the Carnival, with a mash of links to not only some of the bloggers posts, but to related media sites as well.We even had mention of space elevators, with the Marc of the Space Elevator Reference and Ted via the Space Elevator Blog.Be sure to subscribe to either of those blogs as they are covering the Space Elevator Olympics (aka Space Elevator Games) in which their are currently six teams competing (you can find video's over here). Other interesting posts included:Louise of A Babe in the Universe wonders why it took so long to have a women command the ISS.Astro Prof goes in depth about solar power satellites (note: you can view it via Google cache if the site is down) which every newbie should read.Jesse of the Space Law Probe brings good tidings that there are no legal show stoppers to building a solar powered sa...
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SpaceX Clears Another NASA Hurdle Towards ISS
2007-10-20 00:55:00
After passing NASA's last test with flying colors, it looks as if the NewSpace giant has cleared another hurdle in its attempt to become the main supplier to the International Space Station.(Space Fellowship) SpaceX has successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for its first Falcon 9 / Dragon mission as part of the NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) demonstration program. ...During the event, all comments and questions raised by NASA's experts were satisfactorily addressed by the SpaceX design team, which resulted in official NASA approval. With this, SpaceX continues its track record of meeting all COTS milestones on schedule. "In terms of overall design maturity of the Falcon 9 project, we are well ahead of the curve for a program of this size," said Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX. "Few CDRs feature multiple hardware items in fabrication, assembly, integration and test phases." Currently SpaceX is the main player when it comes to securing the COTS (...
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Communism In Space: The New Solar Religion?
2007-10-19 23:45:00
(Image Credit: Himalayan Academy)It look as if the Chinese government will be spreading the socialistic gospel in the heavens above. Not satisfied with millions of registerd members on Earth, China wishes to establish a communist branch beyond the sky.(Space Travel) Chinese taikonauts (astronauts) may start a branch of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in space, said the country's first taikonaut Yang Liwei. China now has a 14-strong astronaut team. The team members, including Yang himself, are all CPC members. "If China has its own space station, the taikonauts on mission will carry out the regular activities of a CPC branch in space in the way we do on earth, such as learning the Party's policies and exchanging opinions on the Party's decisions," said Yang, a delegate to the on-going CPC national congress in Beijing. ..."Like foreign astronauts having their beliefs, we believe in Communism , which is also a spiritual power," said Yang. "We may not pray in the way our foreign ...
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Self Sustaining Space Habitats A Possibility?
2007-10-19 23:09:00
(Hat Tip: Space Pragmatism and Engadget, Image credit: NASA)If humanity is ever going to venture beyond lunar orbit, then they need to develop a way to survive off world indefinitely, or at least for long periods of time (as in years).While no one has yet developed a biosphere that can survive without outside assistance, it looks as if James Chartres (an aerospace engineer from Australia) may have figured out how to create one that is "95 percent efficient."(Cosmos Magazine) The Luna Gaia concept integrates technologies such as the Closed Equilibrated Biological Aquatic System (CEBAS), an enclosed aquarium designed by the German Aerospace Centre and the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELIiSSA) developed by the European Space Agency. MELIiSSA uses microbes to purify water, recycle carbon dioxide and derive edible material from waste products.Algae – which generates oxygen from carbon dioxide via photosynthesis, and doesn't require pollinating – is the key to t...
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Is Humanity Heading To Space For All The Wrong Reasons?
2007-10-17 22:00:00
For the past six thousand years of recorded history, humanity has usually had a reason for every route they took while traveling the world. Some people would span the oceans to escape persecution, while others would sprint across deserts to inherit their promised land.Regardless of the path they took, there was ultimately a compelling reason to brave the unknown, to risk health and wealth in order to seek out a future greater than the present.The final frontier is no different, and for the past 50 years a few courageous souls have been struggling to convince the masses of the need to visit the stars above, without much success.Could it be that space is really not that important for humanity as a whole, or could it possibly be that we are attempting to revisit the cosmos for all the wrong reasons?When Russia first launched Sputnik 50 years ago, our primary motivation for reaching the stars could be summed up in one word--ego. Since that first moment, Russia and the United States were...
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Carnival Of The Space Geeks (23rd Edition)
2007-10-17 05:41:00
It's hard to believe that the Carnival of Space has lasted this long! Last weeks roundup was over at Space For Commerce (by Brian Dunbar).Although the number of entries has thinned out a bit, the quality has thus far has continued to blossom, with interesting posts from:Pamela Gay (of StarStryder) talks about the trouble (and hope) of finding Earth like worlds, and the technology that will enable us to view them.Ken Murphy (of Out of the Cradle) discusses two different perspectives (from two different books) regarding exploring and conquering the moon.Stuart (of Cumbrian Sky) reminds us how far humans have gone using a simple image from Mars.Clark Lindsey (of Hobby Space) has an enlightening post on how the current space tourists came from modest backgrounds, which gives hope of the average citizen of someday reaching the stars.Paul Gilster (from Centauri Dreams) highlights Robert Bussard (who sadly passed away), and how his theories may enable us to eventually reach the stars.Sam ...
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Colonizing Ceres Before Mars Could Save The Red Planet
2007-10-10 22:01:00
Some people say Mars is our next home. Other people say Mars is utterly worthless. Regardless of the viewpoint, humans will probably end up visiting the place for "eternal glory," if not for scientific reasons.Whether or not our species actually settles the red planet is highly questionable. Unlike Earth's Moon, Mars lacks major resources of any kind that would make colonizing the planet worthwhile. Unless those crimson deserts can provide some return on investment, it may be wiser to turn Mars into a penal colony, than attempting to recreate the world into a second home.But humanity may be able to justify settling Mars by diverting its attention towards the asteroid belt first--and the key towards conquering the asteroid belt, as well as Mars may lie upon the dwarf world Ceres .Despite their major differences, both Mars and Ceres share a few similarities. Both worlds harbor abundant supplies of water, respectively, and both worlds are located closer to the metal rich "zone" of the ...
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Russian Banks May Finance The "Next Great Leap"
2007-10-10 20:23:00
In an ironic twist of fate, it seems that the nation that first brought humanity to the stars is more "capitalistic" than the first one to put a man on the moon.With more individuals considering space tourism as a worthwhile activity, it looks as if a Russian banks will consider loaning the necessary cash for those who can least afford.(Interfax-AVN) Russian banks could offer low- interest loans to people wishing to go into space as tourists, Roman Popov, the president of the First Russian-Czech Bank, told journalists on Tuesday."If space tourism develops, we are prepared to combine efforts of three or more banks to issue five-year low-interest loans to a future space tourist," Popov said at a press conference dealing with prospects of space exploration[.] This is probably a smart move by Russia, who has been heavily embracing the capitalistic version of the final frontier despite their current leanings towards "all things big brother."If the cost of travel towards space (and future...
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