One thing which bothers me is how the media keeps whining about how we’ll have to rely on the Russians to reach the ISS once the Shuttle is retired. By then, I guarantee, SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will be making regular flights to and from ISS in both passenger and cargo modes. Dragon’s first orbital test flight is scheduled for late this year. Apparently, this fact isn’t being publicized enough to the media. Am I paranoid, or is this on purpose?

It’s a shame NASA, as usual, is going with their typical “cost plus” government contract with an uber-aerospace corporation (Lockheed-Martin) for the CEV. If they had contracted with so-called NewSpace companies, like SpaceX or tSpace, a better vehicle could have been built for 1/20 the price, and on-schedule!

If anyone hasn’t already checked it out, see Encyclopedia Astronautica’s article on the competing designs for the CEV. Prepare yourself by having some anti-nausea medication handy.

I have a love/hate relationship with NASA; often I find myself thinking that it’s one of the biggest obstacles to humanity developing a space-faring civilization!

As for the keyboard pants – isn’t it a little late for an “April Fool’s” joke?

Talk about redundant, useless “technology”…when are we ever going to see a cure for cancer, or a better spacecraft? You know, something USEFUL that will actually BENEFIT humankind…

Is that a keyboard in your pants or are you just happy to see me ?

Naw, too easy, far too easy, let’s not GO there, EVER….

Well, it certainly would give a whole new meaning to that phrase….

MOVING RIGHT ALONG…..

“#15. You’re right. The current Soyuz is essentially the same design (with upgrading and modifications) from the 1960s. And it is more reliable (if a bit more of a bumpy and scary ride) than the space shuttle. I sincerely hope the proposed Orion capsule (which my cousin saw first hand; a prototype dummy model) will usher in a new era of capsule-based flight. It’s cheaper, safer and judging by the tough little Soyuz (Russian for “Union”) more reliable. Four fatalities in 40 years; compared to the shuttles’ 14. We don’t NEED a space SUV; we need a space Prius! You can rendezvous with your cargo in orbit! No need to truck it all with you. And my oh my, those Cassini pictures were stunning! Please keep the Science Friday columns. Reminds me why I became a sci-fi fan in the first place!”

Well stated, Sebastian. The Soyuz spacecraft has been the most reliable manned space vehicle to date, imho. The overall exterior design has not changed much over the years because the design works just as a well designed airframe works; the F-16, for example. Update the internal tech but do not fix that which is not broken. :)

I always look forward to Science Friday as well, many thanks to the staff of TrekMovie – keep it coming!

http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/andmore_home/andmore_greatgadgets/22608.aspx?feature=Product_63

Much more functional – and tasteful – than toggling your joystick in public. LOL