Today, Ares I finally launched!
In other news, Russia announced a proposed plan to go to Mars with an Atomic Powered Rocket (Link). All we can do is hope for another space race!
Editorial Comment:
Yes I want to return to a space program with a real goal and the drive to achieve it. So many technological advancements were made because of the initial space race: Satellite Communications, computers, micro electronics and much much more.
What technology would come out of a space race to mars?
Is the Ares program going to get us to mars, I do not think so. The government is too short sighted and the public is not behind the plan (or the cost). Also, even tough I am a Sci-Fi fan, I think we have Sci-Fi to blame for the lack of public support. We have already “been there / done that” in so many movies (as well as visiting “strange new worlds”) that the reality of space flight cannot compete with what has already been seen in the movies.
But what if we did go? I just wonder………………