My A to Z Theme focuses on the amazing breakthroughs mankind is on the cusp of discovering.
So what’s the latest and greatest with NASA? They should be up to something good. Right? Let’s hope our tax dollars are being put to good use. You know, discovering breakthroughs that can further Western civilization. And producing good paying jobs for the general public.
Let’s take a closer look at the projects NASA has in the works. According to NASA's Michael Gazarik, “We are developing, testing, and flying technologies in over 800 projects. The technologies we need for tomorrow, we’re building them today.” (This is good!!!)
Low-cost Satellites using Android Smartphones (Cheap is Good): In early 2013, the NASA Ames Research Center PhoneSat project is slated to take to space, a trio of tiny, Earth orbiting cubesats that demonstrate the ability to build very-low-cost satellites using Android smartphones as processors. How cool is this?!?!?!
Solar Sails: Work on the world’s largest solar sail is picking up speed in 2013 and is sailing toward an end of next year flight, Gazarik said. Solar sails use the pressure of photons from the Sun as a form of spacecraft propulsion. “This is propellant-free propulsion,” Gazarik noted. (Propellent free is the key!)
Robotics: Gazarik said another exciting NASA STP work-in-progress rivals Marvel Comic’s fictional superhero, Ironman, providing increased mobility and strength.
“Look for our robotics work to move forward, specifically with the X1 exoskeleton, Ironman-like stuff,” Gazarik said. “You put on this gear…and the NASA approach is to help astronauts move more freely and do more work in space.”
But NASA has competition form the private industry, as we have seen in my many previous posts (shut down by Evil Google). And certainly much more to come. So Obama and our current administeration better get their butts in gear. Or private industry will beat them to the punch and reap the unimaginable benefits of space exploration and utilization.
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| Yes, This is Private Industry Hard At Work. WOW! |
Question: Who do you think will lead us into the 21st century? NASA and other government sponsered programs? Or private industry?
And yes, this is my new blog. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. Please take a moment to follow. Thanks!
It's wonderful how space travel has come along over a period of time. One wonders how it will be in the future,
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Stephen.
Yvonne.
I think private industry will probably leap to the forefront. Governments don't usually do things for profit which is a great motivator for private industry.
ReplyDeleteJO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
I think the private sector will win. The Engineer told me about the solar sails years ago - nice to see them almost done! I saw this great NOVA about a new breed of astronaut space suits that weren't bulky at all, but were more like a catwoman costume with all these pressure sensors and stuff. Wish I could remember what it was called.
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good
Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
@TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge
Solar sails would be cool.
ReplyDeleteThe private sector will dominate from here on out. They can do it faster and cheaper.
Businesses will be what takes us to the next step.
ReplyDeleteGoogle might not like being called evil, Stephen!
Have no idea what is in store for the future, but less red tape and more creativity in the private sector may make it easier for people like Richard Branson to do some really exciting things in space exploration. :)
ReplyDeleteThose are really cool projects.
ReplyDeleteFollowing your new blog!
Well, anything run by the government tends to be burdensome due to oversight and shear size. So I think privatization will be the only way real progress is made once again.
ReplyDeleteSo...what happened to your other blog?
I would have been more than satisfied working for NASA. Science and space have always been loves of mine. (That will show in my "O" post tomorrow.)
ReplyDelete