Those that aren't happy, just think of how many SpaceX lunar missions could have been funded with what has been already spent on CxP/SLS/Orion thus far... The waste...
But at the same time - to have that first great leap in 50 year go to ... tourists!?. This hurts and makes me a bit angry.
People with extreme amounts of money are yet again able to buy their way though life.
I would have been happier if the announcement read: "Wealthy private individuals donate significant money to SpaceX to train and launch two engineering citizen scientists on a free return orbit of the moon. The two future private astronauts will be chosen based on merit, education, and their ability to stimulate and captivate the future generation of space explorer..." (you get the idea).
Am I alone in this?
Quote from: Johnnyhinbos on 02/27/2017 08:53 pmI'm somehow glum about this announcement. I mean, it's great that this move is happening - that the technology and processes will be developed to further humanity into space. But at the same time - to have that first great leap in 50 year go to ... tourists!?. This hurts and makes me a bit angry. People with extreme amounts of money are yet again able to buy their way though life. I would have been happier if the announcement read: "Wealthy private individuals donate significant money to SpaceX to train and launch two engineering citizen scientists on a free return orbit of the moon. The two future private astronauts will be chosen based on merit, education, and their ability to stimulate and captivate the future generation of space explorer..." (you get the idea).Am I alone in this?Would you rather have these wealthy individuals spend their money on overpriced wines, cars, and yachts? They are investing it in SpaceX instead, a company that will bring us to Mars one day!
I'm somehow glum about this announcement. I mean, it's great that this move is happening - that the technology and processes will be developed to further humanity into space. But at the same time - to have that first great leap in 50 year go to ... tourists!?. This hurts and makes me a bit angry. People with extreme amounts of money are yet again able to buy their way though life. I would have been happier if the announcement read: "Wealthy private individuals donate significant money to SpaceX to train and launch two engineering citizen scientists on a free return orbit of the moon. The two future private astronauts will be chosen based on merit, education, and their ability to stimulate and captivate the future generation of space explorer..." (you get the idea).Am I alone in this?
Quote from: jsgirald on 02/27/2017 09:04 pmQuote from: geza on 02/27/2017 09:00 pmQuote from: jsgirald on 02/27/2017 08:57 pmNo mention of a crew, only 2 passengers?People, who are going to spend so much money, are probaly ready to learn to push the abort button in case...But think of a solvable problem, not nearly Apollo 13 leves of bad, wouldn't they like to have a pro who knows what to do and stay calm?Once the dragon is underway, there is little that can be done. There is no engine to do fancy maneuvers.
Quote from: geza on 02/27/2017 09:00 pmQuote from: jsgirald on 02/27/2017 08:57 pmNo mention of a crew, only 2 passengers?People, who are going to spend so much money, are probaly ready to learn to push the abort button in case...But think of a solvable problem, not nearly Apollo 13 leves of bad, wouldn't they like to have a pro who knows what to do and stay calm?
Quote from: jsgirald on 02/27/2017 08:57 pmNo mention of a crew, only 2 passengers?People, who are going to spend so much money, are probaly ready to learn to push the abort button in case...
No mention of a crew, only 2 passengers?
Later this year, as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, we will launch our Crew Dragon (Dragon Version 2) spacecraft to the International Space Station.
This first demonstration mission will be in automatic mode, without people on board. A subsequent mission with crew is expected to fly in the second quarter of 2018.
SpaceX is currently contracted to perform an average of four Dragon 2 missions to the ISS per year, three carrying cargo and one carrying crew. . . . Once operational Crew Dragon missions are underway for NASA, SpaceX will launch the private mission on a journey to circumnavigate the moon and return to Earth.
But at the same time - to have that first great leap in 50 year go to ... tourists!?. This hurts and makes me a bit angry. ...................Am I alone in this?
If NASA wants to send scientists of Dragon 2, they can:Quote"If NASA decides they want to do the first lunar orbit mission, obviously we would give them priority," Musk said.
"If NASA decides they want to do the first lunar orbit mission, obviously we would give them priority," Musk said.
Quote from: HighlandRay on 02/27/2017 09:05 pmI love the name MoonDragon. His is what we have all been waiting for and more than justifies the funding of commercial flights to ISS. Well done Elon and all at SpaceXDoesn't that name infringe a Marvel copyrighted character.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moondragon
I love the name MoonDragon. His is what we have all been waiting for and more than justifies the funding of commercial flights to ISS. Well done Elon and all at SpaceX
Quote from: jpo234 on 02/27/2017 09:09 pmQuote from: jsgirald on 02/27/2017 09:04 pmQuote from: geza on 02/27/2017 09:00 pmQuote from: jsgirald on 02/27/2017 08:57 pmNo mention of a crew, only 2 passengers?People, who are going to spend so much money, are probaly ready to learn to push the abort button in case...But think of a solvable problem, not nearly Apollo 13 leves of bad, wouldn't they like to have a pro who knows what to do and stay calm?Once the dragon is underway, there is little that can be done. There is no engine to do fancy maneuvers.Yes, no need for fancy maneuvers, but still something critical might break (say ECLSS).I re-watched Apollo 13 just yesterday, those guys had years of training, first as pilots and engineers and later as astronauts. I don't think an amateur can reach that level in a couple of years.
Quote from: gospacex on 02/27/2017 09:13 pmQuote from: Rocket Science on 02/27/2017 09:11 pmThose that aren't happy, just think of how many SpaceX lunar missions could have been funded with what has been already spent on CxP/SLS/Orion thus far... The waste...Some $20B and counting?Perhaps more sadly...
Quote from: Rocket Science on 02/27/2017 09:11 pmThose that aren't happy, just think of how many SpaceX lunar missions could have been funded with what has been already spent on CxP/SLS/Orion thus far... The waste...Some $20B and counting?
Quote from: envy887 on 02/27/2017 09:12 pmIf NASA wants to send scientists of Dragon 2, they can:Quote"If NASA decides they want to do the first lunar orbit mission, obviously we would give them priority," Musk said.I have to admit that while I feel incredibly excited about this announcement I was a little miffed that the first flight would go to tourists. I am not against space tourism at all. I just want the first people to return to the moon in 45 yrs to be representatives of the whole country, not tourists. After hearing what Musk said above I feel much better.Even if the private crew goes first I will still be very excited and supportive of this amazing mission!
So my glass ball is full of tea leaves, but it predicts a D2 going around the moon for the FH demo test flight.
Quote from: Semmel on 02/27/2017 09:19 pmSo my glass ball is full of tea leaves, but it predicts a D2 going around the moon for the FH demo test flight.Would there be a Dragon in time for the demo flight? I very much doubt this...