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It isn't Easy Being Green and Getting to LEO

Posted by timothy on from the see-those-aren't-naturally-compatible dept.

MWTJ writes "The BBC has a story about the environmental impact of the space shuttle. One of the things that started the modern environmentalist movement were pictures of the Earth from space, so we could see the beauty of the planet as never before. We could also see environmental destruction from space. But what is the impact of the space program on our planet? The story talks about the switch to Freon-free insulation, the use of clean-burning hydrogen/LOX fuel, and other factors. What else could be done to get to space with minimal harm to the planet?"

3 of 322 comments (clear)

  1. Not much, that's how much. by rueger · · Score: 3, Funny

    I mean really, how much impact could any event have that only happens once every three or four years....

    --
    Three Squirrels
  2. Re:There's always the obvious: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Develop nanotech and use it to build a space elevator. Cheap, clean, safe, easy access to space!

    but you just know that some asshole is going to hit all the buttons, and then it'll take a month to get to orbit.

  3. Re:Preposterous by drsquare · · Score: 2, Funny

    Actually, there are three:

    OV-103 Discovery
    OV-104 Atlantis
    OV-105 Endeavour

    Maybe he's posting from 6 hours in the future?