I saw an interesting postulation on Twitter that the reason the dinosaurs could grow so large was that there was less gravity during the Mesozoic. My response:
All I know is that, if earth’s gravity was really less for the dinosaurs, it’s one less excuse for them to have not had a space program that could have prevented them being wiped out.
At some point, I think it will be important to distinguish between resource utilization for personal use (living off the land), for commercial use in space (e.g., selling propellant), and terrestrial use.
Suni Williams reviews both the Boeing and SpaceX designs. Note that these are flight suits, not EVA, which still needs a lot of improvement. Also, I assume that these won’t be required for passengers on BFR. At what point will they have sufficient confidence in Dragon to not require them?
Politico has started to cover space (I met Bryan Bender at ISDC), and they interviewed Bridenstine (among other news, including thoughts from Rohrabacher), who seems supportive of a U.S. Space Guard. The idea seems to be getting quite a big of traction this year.
We still don’t know the limit. As I often say, there is no law of physics that requires either senescence or mortality. Indefinite health and life is, in theory, a solvable problem.
[Afternoon update]
A commenter points out this recent article. Yes, I’ve discussed this with Gary, and it’s currently his focus, not space. Because none of us are getting any younger. BTW, the company name is pronounced “ocean,” I think. And yes, we should be trying to get Congress to tell the FDA to recognize aging as a disease to be treated, and not simply inevitable.
In addition to the books and short stories, he wrote some Twilight Zone episodes, and Star Trek.
I woke up from s nap and my wife told me we'd lost Harlan. I knew his writing forever, and knew him for over 30 years. I don't know that we were friends; he liked my stuff, but he always scared hell out of me. I know I'll miss him. The field, too. Our enfant terrible is gone. https://t.co/kDT1Abqb0N