I'd really like to see some examples of politically motivated NASA missions. Because NASA is such a small amount of money (relatively) and basically invisible to the average American, they seem to be mostly ignored. Compared to a major defense project with a 20+ year production run, the financial impact of a single NASA project is relatively small.

Also, having worked with some of the commercial space companies, I can tell you that they are finding space is significantly harder and more expensive than expected. Every single one of their major projects have fallen behind schedule (and assume budget), some leading to loss of life. They are doing some great work and have some novel ideas, but this isn't easy stuff.

Yep, only 9 countries are capable of launching a spacecraft into orbit. And only three countries ever have launched a human into space. Just three, USA, Russia and China. Space is hard.

Hey Glen, don't count out that flat-earther dude with the home made rocket. Though, technically (and unfortunately) I suppose he counts as an American, doesn't he?

And to think we went to the moon with slide rulers and computers less powerful that a cell phone... amazing stuff.

He only got his rocket to 1,875 feet. For a lot less money we can get to a theoretical max altitude of over 14,000 feet in or Cessna 182T and take him along for the ride.

No doubt he can hire a airplane ride to get a whole lot higher, and very safely.

I was talking with my friend in Shanghai today and asked him about their moon landing. He said it's a big deal in China, as you would expect, and everyone is very excited about it. I hope this ignites a technology/space race.

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This picture makes me think of The Little Prince

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That’s super cool Shaun, and I agree. Not to mention the possibility of future collaboration between the space agencies. Unlike governments, scientists are typically more willing to share findings and innovations.

Already happened - China's Space Agency let us use their booster to save Matt Damon on Mars.

"Fluke" —Deteriorata

Less powerful than most pocket calculators from the 1970s.

A modern cellphone can run circles around a PC from about 10 years ago.

A PC from early 1980's would run circles around the computers used to calculate the moon shots from the 1960s.

What we really need is the Enterprise to travel out of our solar system

And Scotty...

and Janice

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Exactly, well put Matt. As a bio/biochem major I knew a lot of scientists both as professors and classmates. They are definitely a different breed. Contrasting with me who got an A in second semester bio lab for making a giraffe out of glass pipettes while my bench performed each experiment. Harder than you think, old joints like to crack when making new ones. And it helps to have the lab TA sweet on you. :)

I miss science, being part of science.

I'll take Uhura thank you very much.

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EXACTLY! And where would this world be without Matt Damon?