(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.
Category Archives: Technology and Society
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.
Space “Taxi”
I hate the phrase, but everyone is using it. I will continue to wage war on it, but meanwhile…
Commercial Crew Criticism
Newt is really unhappy about the Boeing selection. And he bashes SLS as a bonus.
[Update a while later]
Sierra Nevada has issued a statement. Not exactly a full-throated determination to move ahead regardless.
The Inspector General’s Report On ISS
I’m reading it now. It starts out with a nice brief history of space stations in general and of the ISS itself. Apparently it says that commercial crew will cost more than Soyuz. I want to see the basis of that statement.
[Update a while later]
“Although the risks involved in space exploration are apparent and subject to mitigation,
NASA cannot fully eliminate them.”
Someone should write a book about that. Oh, wait.