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NASA Consider "Demanning" Space Station

Posted by Hemos on from the planning-for-the-worst dept.

Heartbreak writes "James Oberg, in an article for MSNBC, says that NASA is making contingency plans to leave the International Space Station without a permanent crew for up to a year if the Russians can't deliver the required Soyuz and Progress spacecraft to support it. A serviceable Soyuz is required to evacuate the crew in an emergency when the US Shuttle isn't there, and Progress is needed for resupply. The Russian space program is doddering on the edge of financial collapse after several recent setbacks, including the failure of Lance Bass to pay up. What SF writer could have imagined that humanity's dream of exploring space would be brought to the edge of extinction by the financial irresponsibility of a pop music star? It would be a boring and depressing story, at best." Of course, some would argue that the space station was a boondoogle to start with.

3 of 358 comments (clear)

  1. Deja Vue All Over Again by core+plexus · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    Dang! I just read this story, here on /. a few days ago? You guys tring to mess me up? Freakin me out.

  2. Boondoogle? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Of course, some would argue that the space station was a boondoogle to start with. [Emphasis mine -- AC]

    Yet others would argue that you are in dire need of spell-checking.

  3. war more probably important by thanasakis · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    this may be offtopic, but the russian problems may just be an excuse for the US to temporarily mothball the space station so that more money can be diverted to the imminent war against Iraq. I mean, comeon, do you trully believe that the american government has any real interest in space exporation??? Don't get me wrong here, I think the americans are the only nation that can realy make a difference here, + they have achieved a great many in the past with the apollo program and the space shuttles, but I do not think that the US gov. is really serious about the ISS or the mars exploration or the return to the moon. And this is because none of the officials has any real vision. The war against terror is just a stupid trick to divert everyone's minds from the really important things. I think the americans are currently the only nation that can make a difference, and with the help of the European Union and Japan, great achievements that can capture the hearts and minds of all people can be accomplished. Next time you think about your petty problems here on earth, I suggest you look up towards the stars.