Some thoughts on the demonization of innovation. Sadly, from both sides of the aisle. It brings to mind the stupid attacks on Newt, by Romney and others, when he proposed a bold space policy.
Category Archives: Technology and Society
Raptor Rockets
How much payload could they throw into orbit? Maybe up to half a million tonnespounds at a time.
Not with my money, I hope.
Taylor Dinerman
…responds to my critique.
Aging Cells
The Salk Institute may have found the on/off switch. This could have implications for both life extension and cancer treatment.
Firefly
Just how badly Fox screwed it up.
Last Week’s Commercial Space Announcements
(Paid Lockmart flack) Loren Thompson weighs in.
It’s actually the least hacktastic piece I’ve ever seen from him, except he doesn’t seem to realize that Atlas V alrady requiers “cryogenic handling” because LOX.
Emerging Space
A new report from NASA that looks like it could be interesting. Haven’t read yet, though.
Space Tourism
Is it being overhyped?
I fearlessly predict that, as with any other experience, some will be underwhelmed, and others will have their expectations exceeded.
In related news, tired of waiting, and fearing that they won’t get to the (arbitrary) von Karman line, some Virgin Galactic customers are demanding refunds.
[Update a few minutes later]
Richard Branson’s credibility is collapsing in the media.
Commercial Crew And Commercial Engines
Jeff Foust has the story on last week’s commercial space announcements.
NASA Adrift
Eric Berger has Part 4 of his series up now. It’s about New Space, and NASA’s wary relationship with it. It seems like he’ll have plenty for a book by the time he finishes.