How much payload could they throw into orbit? Maybe up to half a million tonnespounds at a time.
Not with my money, I hope.
Category Archives: Technology and Society
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.
Taylor Dinerman’s Take On Commercial Crew
Over at National Review. I obviously take issue with this:
Boeing has walked away with the biggest share ($4.2 billion) of the money, as its design was further along than that of the SpaceX proposal and, in the opinion of NASA’s leadership, has the best chance of meeting the schedule.
I’ve sent them a response. If they don’t run it, I’ll do it myself at Ricochet.
[Update a while later]
OK, my response is up at The Corner.