NASA: Replaced

Tweet

-Shot of the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket-

When you think space exploration, do you think NASA? So do I.

Everyone understands that NASA is the leader in space exploration, both human and robotic. NASA has the knowledge, the money, and the will to explore a great unknown, the vastness of space. Neil DeGrasse Tyson recently said, "NASA as best as I can judge, Is a force of nature like none other." I agree with Mr. Tyson on this point. Out of every governmental department, NASA inspires more of the youth than any other. When was the last time you saw a kid excited about potentially working for the department of agriculture? The fact that NASA is a government agency, and people have such positive opinions about it means a lot. It can also wield great power when it is given the power to wield it. Unfortunately, therein lies the major problem I have with NASA as the leader in U.S. space exploration.

When NASA is given the power, it can do amazing things. When it is not given the power, it cannot do amazing things. 

Click to read more ...

Our Own Personal Space Station

Tweet

(Timestamps for video highlights below)

Robert Bigelow

Owner of Bigelow Aerospace, is an entrepreneur with a great vision, and money to burn. He has had great success with his chain of hotels called Budget Suites of America, and now is bringing his business acumen to space. 

So what is he doing for space?

With all of his own money, he has been building the future of space stations as we know it. NASA originally came up with the idea of building inflatable habitats, but for whatever reason had to abandon the program. Mr. Bigelow saw that NASA could not do it, so he decided he would do it. On July 12, 2006, Bigelow Aerospace launched Genesis 1 , a sub-scale model of their inflatable habitat aboard a rocket in Russia. He would be the first to test whether or not the inflatable space station idea could work. IT DID! He launched another similar habitat on June 28, 2007 he called Genesis 2, which although identical, had a lot more cameras, sensors, and some other fun stuff. These space stations are still in space right now! Everyday they collect more data that proves they can be successful building a full scale version of their space station, which would easily rival the International Space Station.

What is the coolest part of this whole story?

Click to read more ...