The Race to Mars
NASA isn't looking so hot these days, which really sucks, as they have been the agency with the most thus far. They've delivered because they've had the funding and have attracted the brightest to their ranks. That success has built some arrogance -- justified -- and there are quite a few who wouldn't mind showing up the agency one bit. Discovery continues to stay on the ground, and may see flight early next year to replenish supplies aboard the ISS. NASA has announced the end of the shuttle program, and the replacement goes back to capsules on rockets -- even the planned mission to the Moon will rely on craft that harks back to the Apollo days.
As NASA looks to an uncertain future, the rest of the world isn't waiting for bold moves from the agency. The private sector is sending out more buzz than substance, but money is also pouring into projects. The Chinese, the Indians and the Russians are also posturing with low budgets and not-so-advanced technologies. The Europeans on the other hand -- as Discover reports -- having some money, some advance technology and are partnering with just about anyone they can. Building on their recent successes with unmanned spacecraft, they are building the capability to send humans into space -- and eventually, to Mars. For the Europeans, space exploration isn't about science or economics -- exploration is in their DNA. It's about unity for Europe, national pride and doing it just because it is unknown and out there.
Kinda makes you wonder -- in all the excitement, from Russia, China, India, Japan and Europe -- just where is Canada? Just where are Canadians?
As NASA looks to an uncertain future, the rest of the world isn't waiting for bold moves from the agency. The private sector is sending out more buzz than substance, but money is also pouring into projects. The Chinese, the Indians and the Russians are also posturing with low budgets and not-so-advanced technologies. The Europeans on the other hand -- as Discover reports -- having some money, some advance technology and are partnering with just about anyone they can. Building on their recent successes with unmanned spacecraft, they are building the capability to send humans into space -- and eventually, to Mars. For the Europeans, space exploration isn't about science or economics -- exploration is in their DNA. It's about unity for Europe, national pride and doing it just because it is unknown and out there.
Kinda makes you wonder -- in all the excitement, from Russia, China, India, Japan and Europe -- just where is Canada? Just where are Canadians?
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