So, Roscosmos' new head basically thinks that the next 10 years that Russia will spend on the ISS are a waste of time, despite the fact that they are going to add another three research laboratory modules to the facility?There's still lots more to research in LEO, but it's not the "traditional" things that have been done in the past. For example, bio-regenerative life support systems and artificial gravity exercise systems are two big things that Russia could research on the ISS. Both will be very applicable to BEO exploration.But, according to Mr, Popovkin, it's all been done.
IIRC, Popovkin's job before heading the space agency was the head of the joint chiefs of staff.
I'm afraid that if the military don't give a damn about manned spaceflight, its funding will dry up...
Well, russians have focused on manned missions because it is what they do best.Since their robotics have been somewhat unreliable, it is not surprising that unmanned missions have taken a backseat until now.
But, according to Mr, Popovkin, it's all been done.
i'd agree that the Russian's have never had a lot of luck with Mars, but I'd say their robotic accomplishments at Venus were pretty impressive and it's a real, real shame that they terminated their robotic lunar program in the 1970s. Think of where it might be now if it had continued.
Quote from: Space Pete on 08/12/2011 09:32 pmBut, according to Mr, Popovkin, it's all been done. Well, he's not wrong.We know enough about humans in LEO long-term and the associated problems. We also know that it is a dead-end (even though nobody wants to admit that the 100+ billion spent on ISS were mostly a waste).
We all know you are anti-HSF,
but you can't argue that it's dying out when there are more human space vehicles in production now than there ever have been at any other period in history.
I'm not anti-HSF. If I were, I wouldn't be here on this forum. But I think it is necessary that we realize that HSF doesn't bring much return on investment for the nation, now or in the forseeable future. That's a fact. Personally, I don't have a problem with that, because I believe that money isn't everything. But it is a fact and needs to be recognized as such, especially in a time when discretionary spending needs cutting. HSF is very discretionary. I support HSF because of the "uber awesome coolness factor" and I believe we waste a lot more money on other discretionary stuff. But what I find cool may not be what others find cool. And that is HSFs problem.
10) He still states that the PTK and Rus-M is being developed, with a NET first flight of 2018. But he also stressed that he should keep Soyuz running.
Popovkin's job before heading the space agency was the head of the joint chiefs of staff.