Just for the sake of discussion:
The most capable space powers:
1. USA, the most capable and diversified launch systems, the most people put into space, Manned moon landings, the only successful Mars landers, the best info from Venus, the only probes of Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Ceres and Vesta, landings on an asteroid, management of the ISS. GPS system, unmatched astronomical, military, communication, and earth technology satellites. Anti-satellite capability. Growing private space programs. An aging giant, with the others nipping at its heels. Future direction and funding uncertain.
2. Russia. An impressive list of firsts. The most man-hours in space, the most experience with space stations, including the ISS. The most economic and reliable launch system. Probes to the moon, Mars and Venus with success. The only successful Venus landers. Extensive satellite experience. Anti-satellite technology. How the mighty have fallen, but still plugging along. Don't write them off.
3. The European Space Agency. A fine, reliable launch system, with much experience. Probes to the moon, Venus, Mars, and Halley's comet. Probe to Titan with NASA. Jules Verne spacecraft. Contributions to the ISS. Galileo navigation system. Astronauts with experience in both USA and Russia. Extensive satellite experience. Works well with others. Seems to be satisfied with that.
4. China. Two manned space flights, a decent launch system. Successful moon probe. Anti-satellite technology. An up-and-comer, poised to move into number 3, wants to be number 1.
5. Japan. A decent launcher, successful moon and asteroid probes. Tremendous satellite technology. Significant contributions to the ISS. Ion technology. Poor funding, lack of vision, poised to drop to number 6.
6. India. A good launch system, great vision and ambitions. Also an up-an-comer. Could overtake Japan in a few years.
It seems to me that John McCain is the only hope for the US space program. Obama would probably continue with the planned retirement of the Shuttle, and kill the constellation program, leaving the US without a manned space capability. He's said he thinks the funds could be better used in anti-poverty programs. Under Obama, the US could easily slip to number 3 or 4.
Comments?
The most capable space powers:
1. USA, the most capable and diversified launch systems, the most people put into space, Manned moon landings, the only successful Mars landers, the best info from Venus, the only probes of Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Pluto, Ceres and Vesta, landings on an asteroid, management of the ISS. GPS system, unmatched astronomical, military, communication, and earth technology satellites. Anti-satellite capability. Growing private space programs. An aging giant, with the others nipping at its heels. Future direction and funding uncertain.
2. Russia. An impressive list of firsts. The most man-hours in space, the most experience with space stations, including the ISS. The most economic and reliable launch system. Probes to the moon, Mars and Venus with success. The only successful Venus landers. Extensive satellite experience. Anti-satellite technology. How the mighty have fallen, but still plugging along. Don't write them off.
3. The European Space Agency. A fine, reliable launch system, with much experience. Probes to the moon, Venus, Mars, and Halley's comet. Probe to Titan with NASA. Jules Verne spacecraft. Contributions to the ISS. Galileo navigation system. Astronauts with experience in both USA and Russia. Extensive satellite experience. Works well with others. Seems to be satisfied with that.
4. China. Two manned space flights, a decent launch system. Successful moon probe. Anti-satellite technology. An up-and-comer, poised to move into number 3, wants to be number 1.
5. Japan. A decent launcher, successful moon and asteroid probes. Tremendous satellite technology. Significant contributions to the ISS. Ion technology. Poor funding, lack of vision, poised to drop to number 6.
6. India. A good launch system, great vision and ambitions. Also an up-an-comer. Could overtake Japan in a few years.
It seems to me that John McCain is the only hope for the US space program. Obama would probably continue with the planned retirement of the Shuttle, and kill the constellation program, leaving the US without a manned space capability. He's said he thinks the funds could be better used in anti-poverty programs. Under Obama, the US could easily slip to number 3 or 4.
Comments?
...dont need a space program,...they can just
stand on each others shoulders.
