Space Forum / Space Policy / June 2006

Keith Cowing on microgravity research (on the front page of NASA Watch
today):
"Although the International Space Station remains a budgetary priority, some
scientists feel that its usefulness for carrying out scientific research has

Finally the space shuttle flies.
After a 3 year wait we finally we to see it.
1 July is GO!
John

Not really a policy question, but I hope you'll forgive the occasional
not-quite-on-topic thread...
Does anyone know what sort of TPS (thermal protection system) SpaceDev
is planning to use on its Dream Chaser orbiter?  It all sounds like a

Despite a legendary 'curse' and strong ground winds almost up to the
time of liftoff, the first Delta IV launch from SLC6 at Vandenberg
appears to be a success.  On the very first launch attempt, too.
Mission isn't quite over as this is written, still have a second

Mars Society to Launch 4-Month Mars Mission to the High Arctic
Press Release
For immediate release, June 26, 2006
For further information contact the Mars Society at

[IMO, the last four paragraphs are, to say the least, remarkable. And I
wonder whether it's realy a good idea to fly a full crew of seven on
this flight.]
http://www.flatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060622/NEWS02/606220341/1007

Anybody know what mirror the story is talking about? The actual Hubble
primary is considerably bigger.
+++++++++++++
http://www.unm.edu/~market/cgi-bin/archives/001283.html

Is there a "Planet Construction Kit" anywhere?
Or a guide "how to make your own planet" ?
Because I think the planets of our solar system are
crap and being a race of creators we should be able to build

Do you really think censorship is the way to go on the upcoming launch?
Is that what you resort to.
I know you could only protect one area.
But, come one. if the shuttle will fail.

It will be interesting to see if this makes it through conference and,
if it does, how the various agencies will react to it.  There are a lot
of fiercely defended (and some quite expensive) rice bowls involved.
Also, I wonder what "Recent international events have only served to

Per Griffin's press conference on Saturday, he said another
major incident and he'll end the program.
Also he said that he's explaining his reasoning for going
ahead with this launch in the hope any logical flaws in

http://www.afa.org/magazine/June2006/0606space.pdf
Space and Counterspace
by John A. Tirpak
Air Force Magazine

 I have to laugh at those who say that all we need to do to continue to
survive and prosper ever more is change our sources of power and increase
our powers in place. The absolute is that "entropy will eventually increase
and energy will eventually diminish in a closed system" ...