Thats a really interesting point. The iPhone has most of the features that people want in a netbook: Wifi, 3G, long battery life, lots of different apps, some simple games, etc.
I think it would be interesting to see the iPhone made into a netbook. Get some USB connectivity so you can have: A real keyboard, a hard drive, a mouse, and what ever else the user wants. Give the user access to the file system, and an office suit. The iPhone already supports video out, so hookup a small screen instead of a TV. Then use the extra space for a huge battery. Package it all into something the size of the EEE pc. I know its not as easy as this but you get the idea.
"What abilities does it possess that a combination of capsule and cargo rocket doesn't?"
The ability to do it with one spacecraft. Neither the capsule or cargo is as technically capable on thier own, as the Space Shuttle. Of course having two launchers is simpler, easier and cheaper. Thats not the point. I am not comparing space programs, I am comparing individual spacecraft.
"the descent module of a Shenzhou could probably be reused"
The descent module of the apollo craft could be re-used. Thats a strawman argument. There is a huge difference between the whole craft, and a decent module.
"Electronics?"
The Chinese electronics are most likely far better then the stuff on the Shuttle. But as long as the stuff works, its age is of no consequence.
At least until they run out of 486s on ebay, then the Shuttle is down for the count.
I agree with you completely about the costs. No doubt about that, the Russian way is much cheaper.
But as far as "the most technically impressive craft currently flying", the Space Shuttle despite its faults, is more capable then any other spacecraft out there.
Does it get a good bang for its buck? Hell no.
But the gap is not as bad as it first seems. While the Russians can build thier spacecraft on the cheap, could the USA? The cost/kg of non-manned craft currently in operation clearly favours the Russians as well. If the USA had gone the Russian path it would have been more costly too. Although the gap would not be so great as it is with the Shuttle.
I am afraid I must disagree. The Shenzhou is certianly newer, and probably better then the Soyuz. But it is far from the most impresive.
The big deal with the Space Shuttle is that it can carry seven people, a large chunk of cago, and the shuttle can be re-used (although not as well as was planned). It may be near the end of its life span, but as far as capabilities go it is still the best the world has.
For the Soyuz is claim to fame is its consistancy. The Soyuz design is the most tested manned flight system out there. So while yes it may be old and crappy, its got a solid reputation. Not to mention that it is cheap, and fast to launch.
Give the Shenzhou another decade and it could replace the Soyuz as the cheap way to get to space, but the Shuttle is still the king in terms of capabilities.
Since when was it acceptable for democratic governments to secretly sign treaties?
This is just plain bullshit. Democratic governments are supposed to be open, and take public opinion into account. How the hell are people supposed to have an informed opinion when the government is running around doing stuff behind closed doors?
Oh and we Canadians just found out that our Foreign Minister is steping down (getting the boot) for: 1) Leaving classified documents laying around. 2) Dating a woman with links to organized crime. 3) Publicly humiliating us over the helecopter thing.
The current Canadian government is starting to look less and less like a government, and more and more like a gaggle of ass clowns.
(Oh did I mention they are under investigation for suspitious money transactions during the elections?)
Slashdot Mirror
Thats a really interesting point. The iPhone has most of the features that people want in a netbook: Wifi, 3G, long battery life, lots of different apps, some simple games, etc.
I think it would be interesting to see the iPhone made into a netbook. Get some USB connectivity so you can have: A real keyboard, a hard drive, a mouse, and what ever else the user wants. Give the user access to the file system, and an office suit. The iPhone already supports video out, so hookup a small screen instead of a TV. Then use the extra space for a huge battery. Package it all into something the size of the EEE pc. I know its not as easy as this but you get the idea.
You must be new here.
Welcome to earth.
"What abilities does it possess that a combination of capsule and cargo rocket doesn't?"
The ability to do it with one spacecraft. Neither the capsule or cargo is as technically capable on thier own, as the Space Shuttle. Of course having two launchers is simpler, easier and cheaper. Thats not the point. I am not comparing space programs, I am comparing individual spacecraft.
"the descent module of a Shenzhou could probably be reused"
The descent module of the apollo craft could be re-used. Thats a strawman argument. There is a huge difference between the whole craft, and a decent module.
"Electronics?"
The Chinese electronics are most likely far better then the stuff on the Shuttle. But as long as the stuff works, its age is of no consequence.
At least until they run out of 486s on ebay, then the Shuttle is down for the count.
I agree with you completely about the costs. No doubt about that, the Russian way is much cheaper.
But as far as "the most technically impressive craft currently flying", the Space Shuttle despite its faults, is more capable then any other spacecraft out there.
Does it get a good bang for its buck? Hell no.
But the gap is not as bad as it first seems. While the Russians can build thier spacecraft on the cheap, could the USA? The cost/kg of non-manned craft currently in operation clearly favours the Russians as well. If the USA had gone the Russian path it would have been more costly too. Although the gap would not be so great as it is with the Shuttle.
I am afraid I must disagree. The Shenzhou is certianly newer, and probably better then the Soyuz. But it is far from the most impresive.
The big deal with the Space Shuttle is that it can carry seven people, a large chunk of cago, and the shuttle can be re-used (although not as well as was planned). It may be near the end of its life span, but as far as capabilities go it is still the best the world has.
For the Soyuz is claim to fame is its consistancy. The Soyuz design is the most tested manned flight system out there. So while yes it may be old and crappy, its got a solid reputation. Not to mention that it is cheap, and fast to launch.
Give the Shenzhou another decade and it could replace the Soyuz as the cheap way to get to space, but the Shuttle is still the king in terms of capabilities.
You certianly have a point, however how much emissions are produced to make fuel with our current system?
They both must create emissions, but how much?
Any know where these stats can be found?
I for one welcome our low slashdot UID overlords.
Since when was it acceptable for democratic governments to secretly sign treaties?
This is just plain bullshit. Democratic governments are supposed to be open, and take public opinion into account. How the hell are people supposed to have an informed opinion when the government is running around doing stuff behind closed doors?
Oh and we Canadians just found out that our Foreign Minister is steping down (getting the boot) for:
1) Leaving classified documents laying around.
2) Dating a woman with links to organized crime.
3) Publicly humiliating us over the helecopter thing.
The current Canadian government is starting to look less and less like a government, and more and more like a gaggle of ass clowns.
(Oh did I mention they are under investigation for suspitious money transactions during the elections?)