Space Shuttle

[Andy Macfarlane]

Severn Wolf:

Its an awe inspiring sight for sure.

 

So are Volcanoes and Tsunamis.

 

Andy, we`ll need it one day mate. Sooner or later either we`re going to run out of the earth or its going to get fed up with us and kick us right off.

 

If we can't look after ourselves on Earth, what chance do we have in space?

 

As humans I feel we owe it to the rest of the universe to visit, colonise, rape, pollute and destroy other planets......its in our nature.

 

Very amusing

[Andy Macfarlane]

Steve Burke:

 

Steve Burke:

What a waste of time, money and energy.

Why, Andy?

With that amount of time, money and energy put to use, the planet might be a marginally better place. Firing that pile of junk into space exemplifies just how irresponsible and selfish we are.

[awaaar]

Nobody worried about the big chunk of debris that fell off it - again - then?

[chevin]

Andy Macfarlane:

What a waste of time, money and energy.

Trouble is, a lot of exploration and experimentation appears to be just that at the time it is carried out. However, some time later it can prove to be of enormous value and the world can become a better place because of it.

 

I guess that if you have the resources and ability you owe it to the people of the future to try and progress in as many things as you can.

[Alan Taylor]

Andy Macfarlane:

What a waste of time, money and energy.

I agree with you 100% Andy. Yes, as Chevin said briefly a lot has come out of going into apace, simple every day things that save lives such as space blankets and God knows what else

 

The money could be spent on Earth and do a lot more good for generations to come. The list of where the billions could be spent is endless so won't go into it here.

 

As I understand it the first shuttle was supposed to be launched by one re usable rocket instead of the 3 throw away ones as used now, what a waste of money.

 

I hope they make it back safe and sound but have this strange feeling......

 

Alan

[RobStubbs]

Andy Macfarlane:

What a waste of time, money and energy.

Some may well see it as a waste of money but others don't. In the great scheme of things it's insignificant financially and there's far bigger wastes of money going on all the time.

 

Rob.

[Alan Taylor]

Rob, 19.5% of America's pollution ends up in the atmosphere (global warming) and they refuse to spend any money doing anything about it I suppose a bit more space junk will make no difference

[UK-Fishing-Tackle.co.uk]

Calling them junk is a bit unfair.

 

Sure you might not want a 1970's car, but half the commercial airlines in the world are flying retorfitted Boeings dating back to the late sixties or mid-seventites. It's a bit like those 30 year old buses that look brand new, it is amazing what a bit of panel beating and a new paint job can achieve (ooh and nearly all our trains in the UK as well)!

 

The Stealth Bomber was developed in the late 70's and throughout the 80's yet we are not calling that 20 year old junk - it is still one of the worlds most advanced aircraft.

 

Basically space exploration is important, there are a lot of scientific benefits. It helps us understand our world better, it's origins (I am not a religous person, hence do not have much time for 7 day stories), and potentially if the same set of events could have happened anywhere else (I am not a big alien believer, but if random events conspired to make our planet as it is, it is a possibility you simply cannot just reject).

 

I bet you people moaning about the waste of time and money spent on space exploration don't think twice when using the Internet, Phone, SKY TY, GPS (in your boats).....

[MLD]

It clouted a bird on the way up, knocked a bit of tile off. Should be an exciting re-entry!

[UK-Fishing-Tackle.co.uk]

I am sure bits drop off all the time, count the rivets on your next aeroplane wing that are missing....

 

Seriously they probably never paid attention to crap like this - and to be honest never had much trouble. What we all have to remember is that it is a dangerous thing to do (space travel) and even when it all become commercialised in the future (if I suppose), accidents will still occur (as they do with planes, tranes and automobiles)!