How far are we from colonizing off Earth?

[El Mahdi]

Not to be snarky or anything, but the post-soviet-russian space missions kind of did that already while your shuttles were grounded. What I think we need now is russian ruggedness with internationally designed and tested parts with american production capability. Best of everything instead of lowest bidder.


Edit: you know, sarcasm really is hard to detect on the Internet. I'm looking at what I wrote and I can't decide myself what that actually means. And when the sentence begins with 'not to be snarky or anything' you should always get a bit suspicious.

Don't mind me. I'm a goofball.

I'd insert a "suspicious" smiley here...if we had one...

Yeah, it looks like we are going to be relying on the Russians and, possibly, private companies for the near future. But that's really just for orbital stuff (satelites, ISS, etc.). I don't know if there's really any programs working toward something like going to Mars. Although I do think there are a couple trying to work toward going to the moon.

But you're probably right. Any real future successes will probably need to be International contributions.

 

[TanisFrey]

I agree with the need to try to bring private companies into doing the heavy lifting BUT, we need a real manned program until they can do it. We need to continue the US ability to lunch men into space, even if we do it by building new shuttles.

 

[Someone]

We need to continue the US ability to lunch men into space.

Nyarlathotep needs food badly!

 

[jonesy]

We need to continue the US ability to lunch men into space.

Nyarlathotep needs food badly!

Another good reason why we need to get off this rock and out into the loving arms of Azathoth.. oh, wait..

 

[TanisFrey]

I agree with the need to try to bring private companies into doing the heavy lifting BUT, we need a real manned program until they can do it. We need to continue the US ability to lunch men into space, even if we do it by building new shuttles.

Nyarlathotep needs food badly!

Another good reason why we need to get off this rock and out into the loving arms of Azathoth.. oh, wait..

ROFLOL, that teaches me not to post without reading what I typed.


Rewrite:
We need to continue the US ability to launch men into space, even if we do it by building new shuttles.

 

[ssampier]

Would I survive in a post apocalyptic environment?

I am going to say no. Sad--and slightly depressing--to say so.

My only appreciable skill is computers and fixing them. That skill would not very useful in a eat-or-be-eaten environment. My glasses and allergies would probably be a disadvantage, as well.

Another good reason why we need to get off this rock and out into the loving arms of Azathoth.. oh, wait..

Who will be eaten first?

 

[jonesy]

On the tangent of finding stuff in space here's something incredible, and beautiful. Hubble found a star which has turned into a 1/3 lightyear wide carbon sprinkler:

Awesome death spiral of a bizarre star - Discover Magazine

 

[Pbartender]

In other news...

Two asteroids to pass close to Earth on Wednesday – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs

 

[El Mahdi]

Would I survive in a post apocalyptic environment?

I am going to say no. Sad--and slightly depressing--to say so.

My only appreciable skill is computers and fixing them. That skill would not very useful in a eat-or-be-eaten environment...

That's not necessarily true. Your only appreciable skill is not simply repair and operation of computers, it's the core skills that make you able to do that. Those skills can help you survive.

At the top of the list, you have the ability to visualize or conceptualize a complex system. You are also able to prioritize problems and troubleshoot problems. You also must have at least average dexterity (although probably slightly above average due to some of the finer work required).

These are all core skills that directly translate to things like hunting and combat, and solving problems of survival (building a shelter, finding water, etc.).

The only real question is whether you could mentally adapt to a new paradigm. You have the skills, you can learn the knowledge, but can you make the mental shift...

I think you might surprise yourself with what you're capable of.

 

[El Mahdi]

In other news...

Two asteroids to pass close to Earth on Wednesday – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs

Gee, Thanks! Now my Wednesday is just shot to hell!