Virgin Galactic
Discussion
Anyway - beyond the constant slagging off - here's what Stephen Hawking thinks, idiot and fool that he must be. He'll never amount to much holding such foolish ideas -
http://www.space.com/31994-hawking-finds-kindred-s...
http://www.space.com/31994-hawking-finds-kindred-s...
Eric Mc said:
Anyway - beyond the constant slagging off - here's what Stephen Hawking thinks, idiot and fool that he must be. He'll never amount to much holding such foolish ideas - http://www.space.com/31994-hawking-finds-kindred-s...
Eric Mc said:
Sorry and all - but you do tend to steam in with the results of your Wiki searches at the drop of a hat.
Now come on Eric wouldn't you endorse Virgin Galactic if you were offered a free seat 
Seriously though six people shot up into the air peeking out of the window and seeing the earths curvature is hardly pushing the limits of space exploration forward. I suspect that for $250,000 four minutes of floating in a cabin will let you do what? focus on weightlessness or peek out the window. That really is going to benefit mankind.......
So here is the question, what is the direct benefit to you and me ? I suggest absolutely Zero, its an indulgence for the Rich and a great marketing strategy. So if anyone can explain the direct benefits I am all ears
Toaster said:
Eric Mc said:
Anyway - beyond the constant slagging off - here's what Stephen Hawking thinks, idiot and fool that he must be. He'll never amount to much holding such foolish ideas - http://www.space.com/31994-hawking-finds-kindred-s...
Eric Mc said:
Sorry and all - but you do tend to steam in with the results of your Wiki searches at the drop of a hat.
Now come on Eric wouldn't you endorse Virgin Galactic if you were offered a free seat Seriously though six people shot up into the air peeking out of the window and seeing the earths curvature is hardly pushing the limits of space exploration forward. I suspect that for $250,000 four minutes of floating in a cabin will let you do what? focus on weightlessness or peek out the window. That really is going to benefit mankind.......
So here is the question, what is the direct benefit to you and me ? I suggest absolutely Zero, its an indulgence for the Rich and a great marketing strategy. So if anyone can explain the direct benefits I am all ears
More importantly, would YOU pass up a free seat on Virgin Galactic? After all, you're the skeptic here. You're the one constantly slagging off the project.
Why are you so blooming negative about this. I simple cannot understand what on earth is making you such a naysayer. After all, why does it matter to YOU what Virgin Galactic does? You do seem to possess a totally irrational or, dare I say, manic disapproval of the whole enterprise.
Personally, I couldn't give two hoots whether it's an indulgence for the rich or not. There are lots of things the rich can afford to do that I can't - but it doesn't make me want to disapprove of or stop them doing those things.
Toaster said:
Seriously though six people shot up into the air peeking out of the window and seeing the earths curvature is hardly pushing the limits of space exploration forward. I suspect that for $250,000 four minutes of floating in a cabin will let you do what? focus on weightlessness or peek out the window. That really is going to benefit mankind.......
So here is the question, what is the direct benefit to you and me ? I suggest absolutely Zero, its an indulgence for the Rich and a great marketing strategy. So if anyone can explain the direct benefits I am all ears
Yes, it's indulgence for the rich, not pushing the frontiers of space exporation forwards. But as the latter isn't currently an option, you'll have to make do with joyrides.So here is the question, what is the direct benefit to you and me ? I suggest absolutely Zero, its an indulgence for the Rich and a great marketing strategy. So if anyone can explain the direct benefits I am all ears
The frontiers of space are being pushed as we speak.
As far as US MANNED spaceflight is concerned we are in a hiatus period, just as we were between 1975 and 1981. A whole raft of new manned spacecraft will begin serious flight testing in 2017. This is one of the most interesting periods we have had in manned spaceflight for a long time.
I'm quite optimistic about the next couple of decades.
If the rich want to have fun on Virgin Galactic (or Blue Origin - don't forget that project), let them. It's their money to spend how they want.
There are other programmes running of a more "serious" nature for those who aren't interested in Virgin Galactic or Blue Origin.
As far as US MANNED spaceflight is concerned we are in a hiatus period, just as we were between 1975 and 1981. A whole raft of new manned spacecraft will begin serious flight testing in 2017. This is one of the most interesting periods we have had in manned spaceflight for a long time.
I'm quite optimistic about the next couple of decades.
If the rich want to have fun on Virgin Galactic (or Blue Origin - don't forget that project), let them. It's their money to spend how they want.
There are other programmes running of a more "serious" nature for those who aren't interested in Virgin Galactic or Blue Origin.
Speaking of 'straight up and down' flight http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150824-how-a-naz...
Simpo Two said:
Yes, it's indulgence for the rich, not pushing the frontiers of space exporation forwards. But as the latter isn't currently an option, you'll have to make do with joyrides.
Totally agree, I am sure those that do go for the ride will have a blast of a time and then off to tell every one all about it. I reckon the recent 'The Martian' film captured some of what may happen in the future but I guess its doubtful its going to be a common place trip for the next couple of Hundred Years if then.
The Challenges and costs are just so huge for a few to go, so to think its going to be available for Jo and Joe to go to Mars as a nice trip are quite far out.
That Straight up and down Link was interesting
Edited by Toaster on Sunday 21st February 18:05
Eric Mc said:
I think you would know my answer to the offer of a free seat.
More importantly, would YOU pass up a free seat on Virgin Galactic? After all, you're the skeptic here. You're the one constantly slagging off the project.
Why are you so blooming negative about this. I simple cannot understand what on earth is making you such a naysayer. After all, why does it matter to YOU what Virgin Galactic does? You do seem to possess a totally irrational or, dare I say, manic disapproval of the whole enterprise.
Personally, I couldn't give two hoots whether it's an indulgence for the rich or not. There are lots of things the rich can afford to do that I can't - but it doesn't make me want to disapprove of or stop them doing those things.
You misread what I write Eric, I am not 'slagging' the project off, there is clear engineering and scientific expertise employed, for the employees mortgages, school fees and holidays paid for that is all good, and as I have written before I wish the passengers a safe journey . Also to note I have not campaigned for it to stop More importantly, would YOU pass up a free seat on Virgin Galactic? After all, you're the skeptic here. You're the one constantly slagging off the project.
Why are you so blooming negative about this. I simple cannot understand what on earth is making you such a naysayer. After all, why does it matter to YOU what Virgin Galactic does? You do seem to possess a totally irrational or, dare I say, manic disapproval of the whole enterprise.
Personally, I couldn't give two hoots whether it's an indulgence for the rich or not. There are lots of things the rich can afford to do that I can't - but it doesn't make me want to disapprove of or stop them doing those things.
What I am doing is questioning the benefit and validity of what is after all a mainly pointless Joy ride.....it serves no purpose.
Its not that Rich can afford it, its the claim that the project brings 'space travel' to the masses and here there are two points one is this is not really space travel and the second is the Rich are a very small minority.
Toaster said:
You misread what I write Eric, I am not 'slagging' the project off, there is clear engineering and scientific expertise employed, for the employees mortgages, school fees and holidays paid for that is all good, and as I have written before I wish the passengers a safe journey . Also to note I have not campaigned for it to stop
What I am doing is questioning the benefit and validity of what is after all a mainly pointless Joy ride.....it serves no purpose.
Its not that Rich can afford it, its the claim that the project brings 'space travel' to the masses and here there are two points one is this is not really space travel and the second is the Rich are a very small minority.
But those who can afford a sub orbital hop with Virgin Galactic are a far larger minority than those who can afford 10s of millions to visit ISS. And it is a least a step closer to a reuseable spacecraft.What I am doing is questioning the benefit and validity of what is after all a mainly pointless Joy ride.....it serves no purpose.
Its not that Rich can afford it, its the claim that the project brings 'space travel' to the masses and here there are two points one is this is not really space travel and the second is the Rich are a very small minority.
As for benefit, if it makes a profit, that's a benefit. If it doesn't that's Branson's problem not ours.
Dr Jekyll said:
But those who can afford a sub orbital hop with Virgin Galactic are a far larger minority than those who can afford 10s of millions to visit ISS. And it is a least a step closer to a reuseable spacecraft.
As for benefit, if it makes a profit, that's a benefit. If it doesn't that's Branson's problem not ours.
As for benefit, if it makes a profit, that's a benefit. If it doesn't that's Branson's problem not ours.
But we have had a re-usable spacecraft so thats not new, a hop into space well it just all seems so Vacuous........ As for profit well you don't have to go into space for that
Eric Mc said:
Exactly. Us non-entities on the sidelines are only here to watch and observe. If it fulfills its purpose - perfect. If it doesn't, it will cease operations rather promptly.None of us will be better or worse off.
I can't see purpose other than some wanting to lay claim to be an astronut, Im still waiting to hear what purpose this has.
Toaster said:
Eric Mc said:
Exactly. Us non-entities on the sidelines are only here to watch and observe. If it fulfills its purpose - perfect. If it doesn't, it will cease operations rather promptly.None of us will be better or worse off.
I can't see purpose other than some wanting to lay claim to be an astronut, Im still waiting to hear what purpose this has.
Quite a few people, who own a Caterham have built one and may have learnt new skills, if they are bothered they may learn new driving skills that keep them and thier family safe along with broader section of society. Regarding the grin well thats an easy one. Endorphins are released, you will be less stressed therefore less argments, less cortisol is released (remember the woman and the meteorite) you will be happier and more positive, therefore your family and society are effected..........see causal links do work.
Your so constrained in your thinking Eric..........come on keep up
Your so constrained in your thinking Eric..........come on keep up
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