NASA at 50: Privatizing Space - Live Discussion with Elon Musk

[Alpha Control]

Just saw this at the Washington Post website. Elon Musk is participating in an online discussion about the privatization of space.

"Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, a private firm that is trying to get into the business of flying cargo -- and some day astronauts -- to the international space station and beyond, will be online Friday, Sept. 26 at 11:30 a.m. to discuss the future of space exploration.

He will be joined by The Post's Marc Kaufman, who writes about NASA, space and science."

The discussion is ongoing now. Here's the link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/09/24/DI2008092402502.html

David

[dmc6960]

A couple of interesting points.....

A mars lander may be the next development after everything Falcon and Dragon related are up in good order.  Perhaps he still wants his greehouse.

Elon does NOT believe Space-Solar-Power will ever be feasible.

Apparently the BFE (Big Falcon Engine) would be equal or greater than 27 Merlins?  This information conflicts with previous statements from Elon about that.

Dragon is not meant for moon travel, LEO operations only.  Said it was "conceivable" that it could be done at some point.  Perhaps this could currently put to rest discussion about a Falcon 9H launching Dragon on a circumlunar flight (which was the exact question he was answering).

[Namechange User]

None of that surprises me.  SpaceX has a plan.  Time will tell if they can execute on that. 

[Swatch]

Elon is a very driven man with a vision.  That's a dangerous combination to the status quo.

[kevin-rf]

Elon does NOT believe Space-Solar-Power will ever be feasible.

At least he lays out why, which are very very good reasons.

I think McCain would like the line where he says Space-X it is not a cost plus contractor