OK, we have how many private companies working on reusable earth to LEO vehicles? Throw them a frakkin bone, bet they come up with something that will do the job a lot quicker than NASA's time line suggests.
On a side note:
Rutan, Rutan, he's our man.
If he can't do it,
Then no one can
And as computers have increased in complexity from the models in the 50's, 60's, and 70's, so too have they increased in cost and size, right?
New technology is expensive, and it's difficult to find a cost effectiveness sweet spot. As new technology matures it becomes old technology, and old technology becomes increasingly inexpensive as time goes on. We find new, better, more efficient ways to manufacture the same device, and as it matures its cost efficacy also increases.
There is a debate whether climate change is being brought about by the cyclical changes of nature or man. Can't it be both? I refuse to believe that "there's not a damn thing you can do"
Was Greenland warm at one time? Sure. Was Antarctica a tropical paradise? Maybe. But, anything we CAN do to forestall climate change is something we CAN do. I refuse to sit around, wringing my hands and believing there's nothing that can be done.
What was needed was efficient batteries or some other storage medium, which has recently come into play. Electric car development parallels ICE cars very closely. At the turn of the 19th century there were many back yard mechanics (L. Olds et al) that came out with their own car companies that were later absorbed into larger conglomerates EG GM Ford et al.
I've been following the Aptera's progress for some time, and even though they are only sold in CA at present, I want the 2nd model, which will be a hybrid.
Early ignition was pretty pitiful. Now electronic ignition is pretty much bullet proof.
I expect this to be like fuel injection, going from expensive trouble prone disaster to rock reliable. Once they figure it out, it'l be like injectors - maybe 200,000 mile service.,
You must let me introduce you to the Lord Of Darkness, Lucas.
""I believe it's unknowable whether there's a god or not."
This is the same path I follow. As far as I'm concerned, the idea of god can be anything from the traditional christian meme (admittedly unlikely) to some uber-intelligent being from the n*th dimension.(also unlikely)
Personally I lean more towards Buddhism, the only religion that really doesn't have a god.
One can be an "agnostic" yet fight for free speech. I feel that no person has the right to dictate to me my beliefs. That goes for right wing religious nut jobs as well as those who consider themselves atheists. There must be a middle ground.
Back in the summer of 69, I watched the moon landing and wanted to be the first pharmacist on the moon. All my hopes shot to crap in 72. Now, I'm too old but realize that we need to get off this planet sometime, if for nothing else than to preserve the human race in case of calamity. You can say what you want about how stupid the idea is, but the fact remains that we need a plan and the government agencies with all their $500 hammers and $1000 toilet seats aren't the best.
Slashdot Mirror
On a side note:
Rutan, Rutan, he's our man. If he can't do it, Then no one can
Scotty: Computer? Computer??
And as computers have increased in complexity from the models in the 50's, 60's, and 70's, so too have they increased in cost and size, right?
New technology is expensive, and it's difficult to find a cost effectiveness sweet spot. As new technology matures it becomes old technology, and old technology becomes increasingly inexpensive as time goes on. We find new, better, more efficient ways to manufacture the same device, and as it matures its cost efficacy also increases.
Was Greenland warm at one time? Sure. Was Antarctica a tropical paradise? Maybe. But, anything we CAN do to forestall climate change is something we CAN do. I refuse to sit around, wringing my hands and believing there's nothing that can be done.
This way If you like airships
Or this It uses regular length runways (build a temp out of gravel at the site a la WWII
"The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress"
Everything we would like to see eg. artificial brain, jet pack, et al, is always 10 years away.
Contemplating your own navel department
If your small child (3 years old or whatever) can defeat the zip tie, you have a prodigy with the strength of 10
Reducing cable clutter Instructables.com All kinds of solutions to all kinds of cable clutter
History of electric vehicles shows that electric tech goes back at least as far as the ICE
What was needed was efficient batteries or some other storage medium, which has recently come into play. Electric car development parallels ICE cars very closely. At the turn of the 19th century there were many back yard mechanics (L. Olds et al) that came out with their own car companies that were later absorbed into larger conglomerates EG GM Ford et al.
VW Bluesport Roadster Unimpressive as far as fuel economy goes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjK3YS8EXpk
Early ignition was pretty pitiful. Now electronic ignition is pretty much bullet proof.
I expect this to be like fuel injection, going from expensive trouble prone disaster to rock reliable. Once they figure it out, it'l be like injectors - maybe 200,000 mile service.,
You must let me introduce you to the Lord Of Darkness, Lucas.
Wouldn't the laser burn through the soot?
Atheism
Agnosticism,
Theism
OK, here it is, read 'em and weap. Pick one.
Voltaire
This is the same path I follow. As far as I'm concerned, the idea of god can be anything from the traditional christian meme (admittedly unlikely) to some uber-intelligent being from the n*th dimension.(also unlikely)
Personally I lean more towards Buddhism, the only religion that really doesn't have a god.
One can be an "agnostic" yet fight for free speech. I feel that no person has the right to dictate to me my beliefs. That goes for right wing religious nut jobs as well as those who consider themselves atheists. There must be a middle ground.
goddamn, they can't do that.
Back in the summer of 69, I watched the moon landing and wanted to be the first pharmacist on the moon. All my hopes shot to crap in 72. Now, I'm too old but realize that we need to get off this planet sometime, if for nothing else than to preserve the human race in case of calamity. You can say what you want about how stupid the idea is, but the fact remains that we need a plan and the government agencies with all their $500 hammers and $1000 toilet seats aren't the best.
Not to mention that the Shuttle as in existence now, bears no relationship to the shuttle that was envisioned.
The phrase "Close enough for government work" does not exist for no reason. And oh yeah, shuttles blow up real good too.
Andy Hardy: Hey guys how are we going to raise money to help the orphanage?
I know, let's build a space station, and give a show. We can charge $200,000 a ticket and save Sister Mary's kids!
Bill of Rights
Number one, with a bullet. Number 2? also with a bullet.
Neuromancer