The NASA Mess
Retired Astronaut Philip Chapman had a lengthy report in last week's Space Daily that space enthusiasts should read. It's on the history of NASA, and proposals for its future. He pulls few punches about where NASA's gone wrong over the last few decades, and the sorry shape the organization finds itself in today.
Nor is it just about the deaths due to the shuttle's problems. The problems run much deaper, as he notes.
For a long time I was a NASA supporter, but I'm increasingly convinced that today's NASA is the primary impediment to America's future in space. Barring massive reforms, it will continue to be one, too.
(Via Rand Simberg.)
For a long time I was a NASA supporter, but I'm increasingly convinced that today's NASA is the primary impediment to America's future in space. Barring massive reforms, it will continue to be one, too.
Absolutely. I am the same way - used to be big supporter, now wish NASA would dissolve so that private companies can get real everday people into space.
The NASA of today is the same as NASA of yesterday.
As Philip Chapman pointed out, NASA made its mistake thinking America was captivated by the giant leap of technology. When we were just excited by the fact that someone stepped on the Moon. Most people didn't care how it was done, just that it was done.
I'm all for the privatization of Space flight. But I don't think that'll happen any time soon.
Jerry: I'm wondering, how do you define "NASA of yesterday?" NASA really was a paragon of innovation, for a while.
But probably not after (say) 1974, alas.
NASA of Yesterday is the NASA that sent us to the moon. I understand the fact that they were very innovative. They are innovative now, but there is no driving force to mold it. Back in the 60's we had a set goal of beating the Russians to the moon so our innovation had a purpose. Now it does not. Americans love competition. Without a competitor, there is no interest. This is why I'd love to see the privatization of space flight. Companies can compete to get further in space using their OWN money.