Why NASA’s space launch system is indispensable
Not because it’s self-evident, apparently…
Again, somehow the U.S. is in a race with China–this time over large launch vehicles. If this were true, then the U.S. has been in a sort of one-sided race for a while. While the Space Launch System name has been around since 2010, some bits of it come from the predecessor Constellation program. Others come from the older space shuttle. And saying that Congress was aware of billionaire space fans and were wary of relying on those billionaires as a justification for going ahead with SLS is an interesting history rewrite.
It also gives that lawmaking body far too much credit in how aware of space it is.
Canadian Space Sector Campaign Launches Awareness Campaign
For some reason, I envision Alanis Morrisette and Bryan Adams as the spokespeople for this campaign…
…maybe starting with “You Oughta Know” 🙂
ESA Technology Making LA Metro a Safer Ride
While this is cool space technology from the Europeans, I am a little confused.
First, LA Metro doesn’t have THAT many commuters using its transit system to justify this. Not that many when compared to, say, Paris’ metro or London’s tube. It would have made more sense to me if the company selling this technology had been used for those European transit systems.
Especially Paris–that city has security at every single friggin’ department store doorway, but none at any of its metro entrances.
Another question: why not use this for airport security? It seems to be a better fit and could even help make going through security lines a breeze, instead of a wait.
Scotland’s first commercial rocket launch hailed a success
Personally, I think caber-tossing, while impressive, shouldn’t count as sub-orbital launches 😉
Boeing: The Leader Of The Commercial Space Race
Okay…well, actually…
The examples of the types of activities Boeing is involved with (ISS crew, ULA space launch vehicles, and Phantom Express) are pretty much all government-focused, so I am not sure how this makes Boeing a leader in “commercial” space.
Also something to be aware of: the numbers here don’t add up AND there’s at least one reference based on a forecast from 9 years ago (which, shocker, wasn’t very accurate). And now you know.
Private Company Plans to Launch More Greenhouse Gas-Detecting Satellites
This seems like a worthwhile project. These satellites will be able to provide emissions data to those who want it, like governments concerned about certain types of violations.
6 Must-Have Products For Space Lovers
Gifts for the space nerd in your life.
The Mad Spaceball 