On the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the Atlantic Monthly just published a great article in which the following series of questions were posed:
"So in the highly segmented world of NASA, is the Hubble a triumph and justification for human space flight? Or proof that we can be equally thrilled, excited and humbled by our robotic explorations in space...and proof of how much more we can learn from non-human voyages and missions?"
http://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2010/04/20-years-later-hubble-humans-and-the-future-of-space-flight/39212/
Former NASA astronaut Story Musgrave has an interesting perspective on these questions.
What's your take?
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Is NASA shooting itself in its (human) foot?
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NASA Science News for April 29, 2010
NASA is making a to-do list for the space station's new humanoid robot. Nicknamed R2, the mechanical crew member's chores could range from the most delicate science experiments to old-fashioned house cleaning.
FULL STORY at
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/29apr10_r2/
Its clearly time for re-evaluation of role of humans in spaceflight given the current state of technology and the value of science being produced. Its no secret that much of the mateial published about space human research would not see the light of day if 'Spaceflight' wasnt in the title - my own publications included.
ReplyDeleteThe technology to get to Mars and back judiciously isnt there. If the trip takes more than say 8 weeks return then we should wait until the technology is available. Robotic epxploration isnt a bad thing and will prepare the way for human exploration.
We need to embrace all aspects of exploration if Human exploration is to progress. The way human spaceflight advocates at JSC ' run away' from robotic exploration does , I believe , possibly more harm than good.
Robotic and human explorarion each have a place in the space program. The problem has been pitting one against the other for resources and funding. We should meld the projects so they benefit both programs. Have people do what robots can't (ex:repair hubble) and robots do what people can't (touch down on Venus). One does not have to curb one program for the other. The two groups have competed against each other for decades....team up.
ReplyDeleteGreat questions are asked at the launch of the Hubble Space telescope. These questions are really nice.
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