Problem? Or opportunity?
Wow. This makes me said.
http://tinyurl.com/6kuht9
So the current NASA director basically wants Obama's transition team to take his word for everything, and if they try to confirm data for themselves, he gets pissed? And he's sending memos to contractors, bullying them into supporting him and his program? Does he really think that's the best way to keep his program (and job) alive? If so, then he really does need to go.
I'm sure some of my friends will disagree with me, but I think we need to rethink our space program, and Constellation may have to go. I want us to go to space, but what I'd rather see are space probes and satellites around all of the planets (and some other objects) in our Solar system, gathering data without spending a fortune in consumables for astronaut life support. Meanwhile, we support and expand the ISS, while opening up development of a new launch system and vehicle to the private sector (the Ansari X prize proved that reasonable dollars can develop solutions to tough problems, if properly motivated). The biggest thing we have to do is develop a way to get the cost of putting a pound of material into Earth orbit down, down, down, to a much more affordable level. And we need to develop new technologies, and improve existing technologies, making it even safer and cheaper.
Once we have a vehicle that will efficiently deliver a payload into orbit, we can go to work expanding our orbital presence, and return to the Moon. And this would be part of a planned expansion into the Solar system, putting habitats and labs where they will do the most good. Eventually we'll begin mining the Moon, Mars, and the asteroids. I want all of this, and I think most of my friends do, too. But I want us to wait, and launch a major initiative to develop better technologies for Earth-to-orbit. Once that problem is solved, all the rest becomes much easier. Look at it like this: as sailing ships and maritime economy improved, coming to America became an easier proposition. Once technology and the economy improved to the point that a wagon and oxen or horses was easily available, we expanded into the west. Once a ticket to orbit costs as much as a plane ticket, we'll ALL be going.
Either way, if the report of Mike Griffin's behavior is accurate, then he needs to go. I've seen behavior like that before, even practiced it, once or twice. It comes when a person has built up a house of cards, and doesn't want anyone to poke at it too much. We can't have that. We need the best minds, in an environment that encourages an open, honest exchange of ideas, and a minimum of office politics. I'm going to keep watching this story, because right now I'm appalled.
http://tinyurl.com/6kuht9
So the current NASA director basically wants Obama's transition team to take his word for everything, and if they try to confirm data for themselves, he gets pissed? And he's sending memos to contractors, bullying them into supporting him and his program? Does he really think that's the best way to keep his program (and job) alive? If so, then he really does need to go.
I'm sure some of my friends will disagree with me, but I think we need to rethink our space program, and Constellation may have to go. I want us to go to space, but what I'd rather see are space probes and satellites around all of the planets (and some other objects) in our Solar system, gathering data without spending a fortune in consumables for astronaut life support. Meanwhile, we support and expand the ISS, while opening up development of a new launch system and vehicle to the private sector (the Ansari X prize proved that reasonable dollars can develop solutions to tough problems, if properly motivated). The biggest thing we have to do is develop a way to get the cost of putting a pound of material into Earth orbit down, down, down, to a much more affordable level. And we need to develop new technologies, and improve existing technologies, making it even safer and cheaper.
Once we have a vehicle that will efficiently deliver a payload into orbit, we can go to work expanding our orbital presence, and return to the Moon. And this would be part of a planned expansion into the Solar system, putting habitats and labs where they will do the most good. Eventually we'll begin mining the Moon, Mars, and the asteroids. I want all of this, and I think most of my friends do, too. But I want us to wait, and launch a major initiative to develop better technologies for Earth-to-orbit. Once that problem is solved, all the rest becomes much easier. Look at it like this: as sailing ships and maritime economy improved, coming to America became an easier proposition. Once technology and the economy improved to the point that a wagon and oxen or horses was easily available, we expanded into the west. Once a ticket to orbit costs as much as a plane ticket, we'll ALL be going.
Either way, if the report of Mike Griffin's behavior is accurate, then he needs to go. I've seen behavior like that before, even practiced it, once or twice. It comes when a person has built up a house of cards, and doesn't want anyone to poke at it too much. We can't have that. We need the best minds, in an environment that encourages an open, honest exchange of ideas, and a minimum of office politics. I'm going to keep watching this story, because right now I'm appalled.