The graphics processor you are using to read this post and view the picture of Gwen was developed originally by scientists to allow the display of rapidly changing information. The graphics chip would later become the property of a company based in Texas, called Texas Instruments. But originally it was a NASA idea. Radios in particular land radios or LMR (Land Mobile Radios) were greatly improved to beam a signal to the moon, and back. NASA had its fingers in all sorts of technology. It still does, but the reality shifted. Technologists used to follow the government in terms of new technology. The USSR, China, and the US changed technology rapidly from 1946 to 1970.
Then a Charlie Chaplin impersonator on roller sakes introduced the PC Junior. From there, it has been a race. From windows 3.11 (or as it was called at the time Windows for Workgroups) to the new Windows 10, the things embedded in the Operating system that cost nothing is beyond amazing. The old joke used to be that if Chevy built cars like windows they would work for a week, then you would have to call support. The reverse of that is true. If Chevy built cars the way windows for computers are built, Air-Conditioning, HD AM/FM, GPS, and many other features would be free in the base price of the car. Oh, yea and the car would sell for roughly 30 dollars more than the original price 25 years ago.
Fifty years ago yesterday morning, the world changed forever. The new dreams, another human on the moon and humans visiting Mars are insight. Most likely NASA says it is 2024 for their next person on the moon mission. China is days away from launching a mission to the moon with humans on board. The international space station has now been active for many years. The findings from what happens from long term time in space are beginning to be revealed (two NASA Astronauts are twins). One of the twins was on the ISS; his DNA si modified enough so that there is a measurable difference between the two identical twins. Astronauts on the ISS are growing and eating food, grown on the station.
We are entering a new phase of possible!
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Question of
Have you seen the Orion space craft launch?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Should Mars be our next goal?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
or should returning to the moon be the primary goal?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Do you wonder when you look at the stars?
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Yes
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No
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Any exploration of space is great, plus we have learnt more practical things and invented more because of space exploration…
Thanks Pam – I completely agree!
It really is quite exciting to watch, even New Zealand is sending rockets into space off Mahia peninsula by Gisborne….
well thank you, I did not know that. I learned something!!!!
I agree wittyfeeds, spending too much on science, it’s better spend for humanity. Our Holy Book Quran has told us about many discoveries 1400 years ago ,who are 100% correct according modern science .
just as many discoveries from 1400 years ago that were wrong. 1/3 of the people in Europe died from the Black Plague until a scientist found out why the plague was spread.
I think we should first of all direct our energies to the moon. Until we learn more about it including the anomalies can we start exploring the mars in depth. The moon holds more mysteries than Mars.
In matters of migrating to Mars, it’s a different thing.
The moon is critical in the short run. NASA and CHINA are both planning on being to the moon (China in the next 12 months, NASA by 2024)
I see. Now, that will be interesting. I’m very curious why the moon behaves strangely.
The moon is an interesting goal for the world in the short run. I wonder what the overall impact will be once companies realize they can mine rare minerals on the moon.
I think nations will fight to own share. In the end it will be a restricted zone as is the case in Antarctica.
This reminds me of an article I read many years ago that there is a guy who had claimed a large area of land on the moon. He even sold some land to people and provided then with title deeds.
When mine is discovered, I don’t know. It might lead to another world war.
I know you may be right, but i pray that you are wrong.
A war fought over the moon is a loss for all
Yah, I hope I am wrong because it will be a loss.
It will be the end of the world. Let us hope that it does not come to pass.
We have been spending a lot of money on science , I suggest such money to be used on the well of human being.
Interesting. Out of curiosity based on the growing reality of medical science improving and the ability to grow more and more food communications and systems to help people…
where do you think that improvement came from?
the moon should be our obvious choice, once you can live year round on the moon without issues then start thinking Mars…
I agree – Orion is planned 2024 moon, after that Mars!
I figure if we can colonize the moon, then Mars should be a cinch
It is interesting to me, the reality of where our world is makes me sad.
I think most of our problems stem from overpopulation and greed. the moon is a clear answer to at least one of these issues…
Oh brave new world to have people such as this in it.
Huxley was clairvoyant.
I suspect I should start working out, I am destined to be an Epsilon!
By Ford, that man knew they shape of the future!
🙂
speaking of ford, the ultimate patent troll.
Did you know that Henry Ford, at the behest of Edison, actually patented every variation of “flying car” and that Ford has kept that patent alive?
In order for there to be flying cars in the world, the other car companies have to pay ford.
you’ve mentioned it before and I still don’t see how that works
It is the overprotection in the global patent system. China doesn’t adhere to the IP rules so they could build a flying car.
But based on what happened with Chinese telcos recently, who would buy one?
the tech which would allow cars to fly didn’t exist when ford made his patent, so what exactly did he patent? the idea of flying cars? that’s stupid…
How does an airplane fly?
Lift of the wings, Ford created a patent that showed the concept of a flying car in 1920. He didn’t have the engine or material to build it, but the concept was legit.
Based on patent enforcement it will be easier to pay ford a dollar per car than fight it in court.
what if your car doesn’t use wings?
I am not sure that ford patented the lift of wings. I was just pointing out what the possible things could be.
I don’t know what their patent says I’ve seen it, but never sat and read in details honestly.
and then there is the XOR patent on the flashing cursor
The patent trolls are getting worse and worse. The issue of course is that China doesn’t always recognize the international laws around IP. Then a chinese company sues US companies for IP around networks.
Hilarious!
that’s international politics for you. but if you want a nation that straight up ignores copyright laws, Taiwan…
I find it funny personally. The reality of the law is that it applies to all. The reality of nation states is it is only their law that applies.
Someday….
the law doesn’t apply to corporations or the mega wealthy
It still applies to all, it just takes a little longer with the wealthy and the corporations.
Governments become independent of the wealthy and the corporations, the government wants its money!
corporations and the mega wealthy don’t even pay taxes, or just a percentage…
I am not against science, but my opinion that we spend too much money on it.
I am sorry to hear that.
Space and space achievements have never been of interest to me, my friend … this money could be spent more wisely and there would not be so much poverty in this world….it’s just my opinion
you are writing this comment on a technology that wouldn’t exist without science. Poverty is an interesting problem – but before people spent money on science (say in the 1500’s) was there no poverty?
Poverty and hunger has been and will … only such huge money will invest in me unimportant universe
if it takes huge money, then it is time to stop spending money on miliary. That is where the huge money is.
I love sky watching both day and night. My mind really wanders at night. Love the dog in the photo, how beautiful.
Thanks, Carol! I remember watching SkyLab as it went overhead. Magical!
I love to look at the stars. I have no desire to travel to them. (Officially, I am a wimp.) It’s kind of like parachuting (There is no reason for me to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.) I have no good reason to go to a planet that I cannot live on or see wildlife.
I guess I truly don’t have a sense of adventure. Gosh, that’s kind of sad to finally learn.
I do appreciate very much that you always make me think.
I applied for the Teacher in Space program, Obviously, I was not selected but I tried twice. The first program was cancelled. The second program selected a teacher who sadly died on Challenger.
I may be on the opposite side of the norm; but I feel that space exploration dollars should be spent on securing climate change reforms.
Interesting, do you have any specifics you would spend the money on.
Spending more money on solar and wind power, weaning third-world countries off of coal. We also need to clean up our oceans and beaches of plastic trash…Not climate-change related but it’s at a crisis level. Other than that, I’m not an expert on climate change; so I don’t know the particulars of what it would take to turn things around.
I agree with you. That should be a priority. Firstly, to improve the conditions of life on Earth. However, we must also look for a spare planet. If this one is at a critical stage, humanity can be saved and extended life.
Improve life on earth.
interesting.
Typed on a window in a site, on the internet. The internet was invented by scientists to communicate.
I think if you want to make the world a better place to reduce MILITARY funding globally first. Then start cutting programs that have changed the world for the better, already.
You do understand that neither of those exists without NASA right? They are the actual organization that created the first solar cell…
I didn’t know that; but that doesn’t matter. Funds could be allocated for climate change/pollution reform rather than space exploration. I personally don’t think that the Earth will ever get to the point of overpopulation. This may be a grim stand; but I believe that the next pandemic is right around the corner…or Yellowstone could blow its cork…or a meteor could strike…all food for thought.
someday.
I grew up knowing that there was more of the world than we could easily see. That the perspective of inward viewing led to failure.
I would say keep space exploration.
Improve the climate.
Drop military funding to pay for it…
Now see, I would argue that in fact if there is a group even remotely able to impact climate change it would be science and NASA.
They have the option of making changes top down to the environment.
I would cut the military budget globally long before I ever touched a single science program.
I would support a military budget cut.
that allows us to pay for the issues while continuing scientific advancement!
Besides the moon, I think Mars should be our next goal. That’s how our knowledge about the other planets will be. I love watching the stars they are like small glittering diamonds.
Do you think they can learn things we need to know by going to Mars?
The biggest thing about a 3 years trip to mars that would impact the world is the concept of cleaning the air in the cabin of the spacecraft.
I wonder, if we can create better to clean air, if we could use that on Earth.
I do love watching stars as well. I also agree, there is much to learn about the universe that helps us right here on earth!