Obama eyes exploration alternatives

[J.McDonald]

From the Orlando Sentinel:

"Campaign sources have said that Obama space policy advisers were looking at the possibility of tapping commercial aerospace companies to see if they might be able to use existing rockets to develop a fast, safe and inexpensive rocket that could more quickly replace the shuttle to get astronauts to the space station while NASA continues to work on a larger moon rocket."

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/new...buy-soyuz.html

What was that about Ares-I being a done-deal and anything else being dead in the water *cough*.

If it was your job to explain to Sen. Obama why we really need Ares-I and can't use an EELV for the same job, what would your argument be?

[Andrew]

What was that about Ares-I being a done-deal and anything else being dead in the water *cough*.

I think we were talking about DIRECT 2.0 being a non-starter *cough*.

I don't think I ever said EELV was a bad idea *cough*.

Just because The Lord Most Merciful Barack Obama says something doesn't mean his magic can or even will make it happen after the election. *cough*.

Next?

-Andrew

[Rick]

From the Orlando Sentinel:

"Campaign sources have said that Obama space policy advisers were looking at the possibility of tapping commercial aerospace companies to see if they might be able to use existing rockets to develop a fast, safe and inexpensive rocket that could more quickly replace the shuttle to get astronauts to the space station while NASA continues to work on a larger moon rocket."

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/new...buy-soyuz.html

What was that about Ares-I being a done-deal and anything else being dead in the water *cough*.

If it was your job to explain to Sen. Obama why we really need Ares-I and can't use an EELV for the same job, what would your argument be?

That's not what Obama said originally.
His first idea was to take VSE's funding and use it for kindergarten funding.

His second was to reduce that gap, by adding funding for Ares.

His third, the present one is brand new.

Which one do you believe? More importantly, which does he believe?

[Andrew]

Which one do you believe? More importantly, which does he believe?

I believe that a model maker and bankrupt entrepreneur (along with a crotchety old man) have a "direct" line to His Highness and that the paramount issue within the campaign offices is what to do with Ares, the most Horrible (capital "H") of designs in the history of the universe.

Oh, but that might mean that J.McDonald thinks I'm being sarcastic again because no one here who has access to inside documents and details feels it appropriate to risk an ITAR violation to publish such information. Being responsible must really irk him.

-Andrew

[Rick]

As a service to all, and to try to keep the forums in subject order. I am going to move this thread to The Space Politics and Policy of P.O.T.U.S. forum.


Thanks,
Rick

[Rick]

If it was your job to explain to Sen. Obama why we really need Ares-I and can't use an EELV for the same job, what would your argument be?

That he should do some research about the current and future manned space programs before making his mind up 3 times on how to proceed?

There's nothing wrong with EELV at all. It wasn't selected by NASA however for Constellation, which he should know. I would also hope that he has SOME faith in an agency that has been launching rockets for 50 years.

[Me2]

. I would also hope that he has SOME faith in an agency that has been launching rockets for 50 years.

This the same agency launched vehicles with known flaws that killed 12 astronauts.

This same hubris makes it think it can still design launch vehicles when it hasn't for more than 30 years

[Rick]

Me2,
Being as blunt as you are on this topic, how many astronauts did it not kill?

Since you used a specific number in your post, please reply the same.

[Me2]

Me2,
Being as blunt as you are on this topic, how many astronauts did it not kill?

Since you used a specific number in your post, please reply the same.

So that is a rationalization? It is ok to lose two missions if you are successful for 125+
Anyways, it was lucky on most of those missions, because those flaws were present.

[Rick]

Nope, not at all. Just using your morbid criteria for not using NASA to build a launch vehicle.

[Me2]

NASA to build a launch vehicle.

NASA shouldn't be doing it in the first place. That is a job for industry. NASA uses industry for the other payloads. It doesn't need to duplicate existing capabilities. It only does so to maintain the workforce.

[J.McDonald]

I believe that a model maker and bankrupt entrepreneur (along with a crotchety old man) have a "direct" line to His Highness and that the paramount issue within the campaign offices is what to do with Ares, the most Horrible (capital "H") of designs in the history of the universe.

Oh, but that might mean that J.McDonald thinks I'm being sarcastic again because no one here who has access to inside documents and details feels it appropriate to risk an ITAR violation to publish such information. Being responsible must really irk him.

-Andrew

Wow. What a helpful post. At risk of getting banned for attempted profanity, I honestly don't have a f*****g clue what you're on about now.

[Rick]

Folks, let dial it down a notch please. I know that that these discussions in general cause much passion at times, but I'd appreciate if everyone could try and stick to the subject matter of the thread (this one is about space politics) and yes I am guilty as well.

Thanks for everyone's participation here. I for one appreciate it.

Rick

[Rick]

Wow. What a helpful post. At risk of getting banned for attempted profanity, I honestly don't have a f*****g clue what you're on about now.

John, You won't be banned as your intelligent enough to use asterisks.

Banning here is VERY low down the list of things to do.

[Rick]

It only does so to maintain the workforce.

Okay Me2, Uncle. I'm waiving the white flag on the many posts in many threads that you've basically said the same thing.

I know what the reality is, and its not what you are professing. That's okay though, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Also, please try and keep the topic on point per the forum, as should I.