Space Exploration and China

by **Juan_Bottom** on Sun Jun 24, 2012 8:37 pm

Let's just start the discussion by reminding everyone that NASA (America's "National Aeronautics and Space Administration") is currently banned from working with the Chinese.

Is there a Space-Race? Will Congress be caught in a panic if Chinese plans are successful in 2020? Who's side are the Russians on? Why are we underfunding NASA? Does anyone really care about space exploration anymore? Are we even anywhere near capable of visiting an asteroid? Is China capable of visiting the moon?

by **Woodruff** on Sun Jun 24, 2012 9:23 pm

Juan_Bottom wrote:Is there a Space-Race?

No. Should there be? Yes.

Juan_Bottom wrote:Will Congress be caught in a panic if Chinese plans are successful in 2020?

Most likely.

Juan_Bottom wrote:Who's side are the Russians on?

They are on Russia's side.

Juan_Bottom wrote:Why are we underfunding NASA?

Because we're largely a nation of selfish dumbfucks.

Juan_Bottom wrote:Does anyone really care about space exploration anymore?

Yes, but not nearly enough of us.

Juan_Bottom wrote:Are we even anywhere near capable of visiting an asteroid?

Absolutely, the technology is there.

Juan_Bottom wrote:Is China capable of visiting the moon?

Without question.

by **Haggis_McMutton** on Mon Jun 25, 2012 10:05 am

Wait, they're killing the ISS?

DAFUCK?

by **KoolBak** on Mon Jun 25, 2012 11:22 am

*headshake*

So sad.....I like woody's answer re "we're a large nation..." lol....Bingo baby, when it comes to this. We just need another scare / scapegoat like the evil commies in the 50's-60's that fueled our desires....hmmmm.....

What could the chinese possibly be doing up there?

by **jonesthecurl** on Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:13 pm

I don't know. Better panic and sped up space exploration quick.
Oh hell they still don't let me vote...

by **john9blue** on Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:56 pm

we have dedicated scientists in the private sector who are more than willing to explore space. all they need is capital.

does china have scientists like that?

by **Frigidus** on Mon Jun 25, 2012 2:40 pm

john9blue wrote:we have dedicated scientists in the private sector who are more than willing to explore space. all they need is capital.

does china have scientists like that?

No, their scientists can focus on things that lack a profit motive.

by **Juan_Bottom** on Mon Jun 25, 2012 2:43 pm

john9blue wrote:we have dedicated scientists in the private sector who are more than willing to explore space. all they need is capital.

does china have scientists like that?

Yeah. Scientists don't care a wipe about politics at all. NASA scientists would love to work with Chinese scientists, and vice-verse. China's dedicated scientists are working with Russia's, and 20 years ago both countrys leaders hated each other's guts. Science is above the politics.

The coolest part of this, Chinese officials with Project 921 have publicly said that the future of the Chinese Space program is to colonize other planets. Meaning, the Chinese plan to live on Mars, and beyond. And because they are using Chinese Labor, they're doing it at a fraction of the cost NASA is. Their manned trip to the moon is expected to cost around $190 Million.

Anyway, while NASA dreams of going to Mars, China has an operational 30-year-plan to go to Mars.

Haggis_McMutton wrote:Wait, they're killing the ISS?

DAFUCK?

With no plans to replace it. There is a belief at NASA that orbital space should finally be left for Private companies. If NASA decides it needs to do an Earth-Orbit experiment, they can do it from a space hotel room. They have no stated plans to replace the ISS.

by **Woodruff** on Mon Jun 25, 2012 3:53 pm

Juan_Bottom wrote:
john9blue wrote:we have dedicated scientists in the private sector who are more than willing to explore space. all they need is capital.

does china have scientists like that?

Yeah. Scientists don't care a wipe about politics at all. NASA scientists would love to work with Chinese scientists, and vice-verse. China's dedicated scientists are working with Russia's, and 20 years ago both countrys leaders hated each other's guts. Science is above the politics.

The coolest part of this, Chinese officials with Project 921 have publicly said that the future of the Chinese Space program is to colonize other planets. Meaning, the Chinese plan to live on Mars, and beyond. And because they are using Chinese Labor, they're doing it at a fraction of the cost NASA is. Their manned trip to the moon is expected to cost around $190 Million.

Anyway, while NASA dreams of going to Mars, China has an operational 30-year-plan to go to Mars.

Haggis_McMutton wrote:Wait, they're killing the ISS?

DAFUCK?

With no plans to replace it. There is a belief at NASA that orbital space should finally be left for Private companies. If NASA decides it needs to do an Earth-Orbit experiment, they can do it from a space hotel room. They have no stated plans to replace the ISS.

They couldn't afford to anyway.