Yesterday, I took a tour of the new (well, new to me — I hadn’t seen it because they moved while I was in Florida) SpaceX facilities in Hawthorne. They are quite impressive, as are all the rocket parts being manufactured there. No cameras were allowed, unfortunately. It’s even more impressive considering how little (relative to other similar projects) money has been spent. I would say that this is the current state of the art in expendable launch systems, with plenty of room for future cost reduction (including at least partial reusability). It makes me curious to visit Decatur now, to compare it to the Delta/Atlas production process.
Peak Everything?
Thoughts from Ron Bailey, on running out of stuff. I found this interesting:
The folks at the GPRI point out that the phosphorus in just one person’s urine would be close to the amount needed to fertilize the food supply for one person. So why not recycle urine? In fact, NoMix toilets have been invented which allow for the collection of urine separate from solid wastes, allowing phosphorus and nitrogen to be recovered and used as fertilizer. In addition, crop biotechnologists are exploring ways to produce plants that dramatically increase the efficiency with which they use phosphorus, which would reduce the amount fertilizer needed to grow a given amount of food.
Urine recycling would be not just handy, but perhaps crucial, for space settlements.
On the broader point, as long as we have affordable energy and knowledge there’s no reason to run out of anything. The biggest problem is the overabundance of stupidity on the part of those who would rule our lives.
We Have A Winner
…in Iowahawk’s annual Earth Day contest. It’s someone too modest to have nominated herself.
This Has Been Needed
Eric Berger has a reasonably objective FAQ on the recent space policy changes. Don’t expect it to change the minds of the hyperbolic hysterisists, though.
Powerpoint
…and the military. Some concerns.
Congratulations
…to Pete Worden:
“I am truly honored to receive the 2010 Arthur C. Clarke Foundation’s Innovator’s Award,” Worden said. “This prestigious award recognizes technology trailblazers whom I personally admire, and I am proud to be considered among them.”
I’m surprised, but pleased that Pete, probably the most politically incorrect center director ever, has survived the transition. But fortunately, he has friends in high places, if not all the way up in the White House.
How Do You Say “Realpolitik…”?
…in Klingon? Thoughts on the Hawking alien thesis.
Unfamiliar With The Concept
This is an interesting metaphor, in at least a couple of ways…
The Free-Market Frontier
The Orange County Register has come out in favor of the new direction in space.
I’m Just Glad Someone Did
Harry Reid, not Lindsey Graham, killed the climate bill.